Know More
Here, we decode the PAM pathway in breast cancer, what it means and explain why it might come up during a conversation about metastatic breast cancer (MBC) treatment. If you have heard terms like PIK3CA, PI3 kinase, AKT1, PTEN or mTOR, the letters can get confusing. However, these terms are part of an important signaling […]
Here’s a guide to using artificial intelligence (AI) safely, especially when looking up information related to breast cancer. Let’s imagine you open your pathology report and see a term you’ve never heard before, so you turn to AI for help defining it. The answer you get sounds clear and confident, but is it accurate? Is it up to date? Most importantly, is it right for you and your current situation? Those considerations are important, whether you’re searching for […]
Breast and brain health have more in common when it comes to aging and menopause than you might think. Both are complex and affected by a mix of factors like aging, hormones, genetics and lifestyle. There is no guaranteed way to prevent breast cancer, dementia or cognitive decline that impacts daily life, but understanding your risk can help you ask questions and take steps to support your health. Cognitive decline and dementia are not the same thing It is important to first address what is meant […]
Post-surgical recovery for breast cancer expectations, challenges and advances in care are important to consider whether you are having a lumpectomy, mastectomy, reconstruction or other breast surgery. By learning what to expect, what happens during the healing process and your recovery options, you can feel more confident in the process. Preparing your home and loved ones “The best way to get a good outcome after surgery is to be prepared before the […]
Mammograms and more may be part of your breast cancer screening plan, depending on your personal risk. Finding breast cancer early makes a big difference for treatment options and long-term survival. Breast cancer screening tests are designed to find breast cancer before warning signs or symptoms appear, and different types exist to clarify uncertain findings – offering peace of mind or helping inform next steps. For most women at average risk, screening begins with a yearly mammogram at age 40. […]
Understanding metastasis can help you take charge of a cancer diagnosis. In this blog, you’ll learn four ways to help you take charge of a metastatic breast cancer (MBC) diagnosis so you can feel informed about what’s happening in your body and about some things to expect. An MBC diagnosis comes with a whirlwind of […]
There are three reasons you should discuss your risk of recurrence with your doctor following initial breast cancer treatment, and we’re going to share them with you here. While most people diagnosed with breast cancer will never have a recurrence, every person treated for breast cancer does have some level of risk of the cancer returning or recurring. It’s not uncommon to feel overwhelmed when you’re newly diagnosed and talking through treatment options. It’s also common to want to […]
What is ctDNA, or circulating tumor DNA, and what does it mean for your breast cancer? You may have heard of ctDNA recently in the headlines or the doctor’s office. Research has been moving at a rapid pace to better understand ctDNA, a promising new tool that is giving doctors another way to monitor cancer […]
Here are four things to know about clinical trials before going any further after a breast cancer diagnosis. You may feel a sense of urgency, but knowledge is power and a critical tool to advocate for your care. Clinical trials are how researchers find better ways to prevent, detect and treat breast cancer. They are the reason that every treatment, from hormone therapy to targeted medications, exists. And […]
You may hear a lot about lymph nodes during breast cancer treatment, and here’s what you need to know about why they matter and how they affect your care. First, what are lymph nodes? Why are they checked? What does it mean if cancer is found in your lymph nodes? How does this affect treatment […]
If you’re like most women, you probably weren’t taught much about women’s health or breast health while in school. But that’s okay; we’ve got you covered. In this issue of Know More, we’ll go beyond puberty and break down how breast tissue changes over time, as well as what’s normal (and what might not be). […]
Genomic testing can help personalize your breast cancer treatment plan by helping map a path ahead. When navigating a breast cancer diagnosis, it can feel like approaching one fork in the road after another. What treatments will I need? Will I need chemotherapy? What is right for me? Genomic testing, which could also be called […]
