Breastcancer.org Podcast

There are several genomic tests -- also called genomic assays -- that analyze a sample of a breast cancer tumor to see how active certain genes are. The results of these tests help people and their doctors decide if more treatments after surgery would offer more benefits than risks. Listen to the episode to hear Dr. Wojciechowski explain: what each test does and when it might be recommended how doctors decide which test to use how widely applicable the results are

At the 2023 American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting, Dr. Christina Dieli-Conwright gave a presentation entitled “Resistance exercise is medicine: Applications to improve health and cancer outcomes.” Listen to the episode to hear Dr. Dieli-Conwright explain: how she came to study exercise as medicine the exercise benefits for people diagnosed with cancer she’s seen in her research how to get started with exercise and how to stay motivated resource suggestions for people who want to start exercising, including the Exercise is Medicine website and a library of exercise videos from the Zakim Center

Dianne Hyman founded Sister Will You Help Me, a breast cancer support group for women of faith and color, nearly 22 years ago.  Listen to the episode to hear Dianne talk about: why it was important to her to include faith in the support group how she sees faith and spirituality helping the women in her group how different beliefs can give people a new perspective on things

The 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting featured five days of research presentations, educational sessions, posters, and networking events. The amount of research presented can be overwhelming, so we asked Dr. Stephanie Graff to break down the key takeaways for people who’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer. Listen to the episode to hear Dr. Graff explain: the results of the NATALEE trial on Kisqali (chemical name: ribociclib) for early-stage breast cancer a meta-analysis showing ovarian suppression definitely reduces the risk of recurrence for pre-menopausal women diagnosed with breast cancer a poster showing that diclofenac (brand names: Flector, Cambia, Zipsor), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine, in a topical gel form seems to help ease hand-foot syndrome caused by the chemotherapy medicine Xeloda (chemical name: capecitabine)

Hormonal therapy can cause a number of troubling issues for women, including loss of libido, hot flashes, and pain during sex. At the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, Dr. Kristin Rojas chaired a session called “A Juggling Act: Managing the Toxicity of Estrogen Deprivation for Patients With Breast Cancer.” Listen to the podcast to hear Dr. Rojas explain: some of the most problematic issues and how they can be treated some of the therapies, products, and devices to avoid how women can find help for sexual issues

At the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting Dr. Marisa Weiss, founder and chief medical officer of Breastcancer.org, presented results from her study looking at cannabis to ease peripheral neuropathy caused by chemotherapy. Listen to the podcast to hear Dr. Weiss explain: how chemotherapy causes peripheral neuropathy the cannabis product she studied and how it can be obtained what the results mean for people with peripheral neuropathy

At the 2023 American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting, Dr. Slamon presented results from the NATALEE trial, showing that Kisqali plus an aromatase inhibitor after surgery for early-stage, hormone receptor-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer, reduced recurrence risk by 25% compared to an aromatase inhibitor alone. Listen to the podcast to hear Dr. Slamon explain: why he thought Kisqali could benefit people with early-stage breast cancer the side effects Kisqali can cause what the results mean for people diagnosed with early-stage, hormone receptor-positive disease

Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma, also called BIA-ALCL, is a rare type of cancer of the immune system that can develop in the scar tissue capsule and fluid surrounding a breast implant. In some cases, it can spread throughout the body. BIA-ALCL is curable in most patients if it’s diagnosed early and treated appropriately, but a small number of women have died from the illness. Listen to the episode to hear Dr. Zafar explain: what we currently know about BIA-ALCL and its causes treatments for BIA-ALCL the differences between the three types of capsulectomies available reconstruction options for women who have implants removed

Cancer ghosting – when friends and loved ones cease all contact after a cancer diagnosis – is a common and extremely painful experience for many people diagnosed with breast cancer. Listen to the podcast to hear Kelly explain: why some people ghost people with cancer how frequently cancer ghosting happens the best ways to respond to cancer ghosting

Dr. Ashley Henneghan explains her research showing listening to classical music helped ease memory and thinking problems in people who received breast cancer treatment.