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Each case of breast cancer is different, so treatment shouldn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. The Breast Cancer Index (BCI) is a test that can help you get breast cancer care personalized to your unique tumor biology. <\/p>\n
Clinicians use the BCI for early-stage hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer patients to determine the chances that their breast cancer will return somewhere else in their body within 10 years of diagnosis. The results from the BCI can be used to determine whether staying on treatments that block or lower estrogen<\/a> (anti-estrogen therapy) is likely to reduce that risk. <\/p>\n Considering about 4 out of 5 <\/a>cases of breast cancer are HR+, the BCI test is an important tool when deciding on a treatment plan for many women. <\/p>\n Recently, the BCI test options were expanded to help patients get more information to help personalize their treatment decisions earlier in their diagnosis. <\/p>\n Here\u2019s what you need to know \u2014 and what\u2019s new \u2014 about the BCI test.<\/p>\n What is the Breast Cancer Index test?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/h3>\n The BCI test analyzes the activity in 11 genes found in breast cancer tissue to assess how likely the cancer is to grow and spread as well as to determine if staying on anti-estrogen therapy for longer may help lower that risk.<\/p>\n The test is performed by evaluating the biology of a patient\u2019s original tumor sample and uses tissue that was preserved during the original biopsy or breast surgery, so no additional procedures are needed. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n Who should get a Breast Cancer Index test?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/h3>\n The BCI test is only for people who\u2019ve been diagnosed with early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.<\/p>\n Talk to your clinician about the BCI test if you:<\/p>\n What do the results of the Breast Cancer Index test tell you?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/h3>\n For most women, hot flashes<\/a>, fatigue, joint pain and other side effects from anti-estrogen therapy seriously affect quality of life. Anti-estrogen therapies also increase the risk for osteoporosis (bone loss), blood clots and other cancers.<\/p>\n The BCI test helps patients and clinicians make important decisions about anti-estrogen therapy, including how long treatment should last. <\/p>\n The results of the BCI test predict: <\/p>\n In the past, the BCI test was done five years after diagnosis to determine risk of late recurrence and whether longer anti-estrogen therapy would help reduce that risk. Now, as part of the new expanded BCI option, the test can be done earlier after diagnosis or early in treatment to provide more information that may help clinicians and patients develop a personalized treatment plan from the start. <\/p>\n For example, people who have low enough risk may want to consider a less aggressive treatment plan. For postmenopausal women, this may mean taking anti-estrogen treatments for a shorter amount of time. And women who are at minimal risk and premenopausal may not have to go through ovarian suppression<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Questions to ask your clinician about the Breast Cancer Index test<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/h3>\n If you have hormone receptor-positive breast cancer or have a personal history of it, talk to your clinician about the BCI test.<\/p>\n It\u2019s a good idea to write down your thoughts and concerns before the conversation and take them with you to your appointment.<\/p>\n Here are some questions to consider:<\/p>\n Read: Breast Cancer Resource Guide >><\/em><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
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