It's a lot easier if one had any of the genetic tests that use analysis of genes (including looking for well- and lesser-known genetic mutations that signify possible quixotic reactions to cancer) that yield a risk score for recurrence. I had the OncotypeDX done and it changed the breast surgeon's and oncologists outlook for treatment as the risk score was low.

Oncotype's website shows a few examples where clinicians might have predicted differently: a client with Stage 0 non-invasive DCIS but a genetically-based recurrence risk of over 50% and a Stage 4 invasive DCIS with lymph node involvement but yielded a low risk from genetic testing. So, what might sound bad using the usual statistical models, might not have a negative outlook and vice versa.

But people can try the anti-hormone drugs and monitor side effects, if any. Just be aware of the drug's risk profile and which side effects might actually be symptoms of a problem. Every drug has a risk profile. The newest drugs have the least data so my preference is to not take any or proceed either care if one is necessary. Be extra body-attentive in a sense.

Jump to this post