So I’ve just joined up today on the forum. I’ve had stage 4 beast cancer for a while now and on “palliative care” Chemotherapy to keep me alive. I’m doing OK, side effects are a pain but I’m alive.
Of course I want a cure and not giving up!
I had the Hormone responsive/HER2 testing at diagnosis and my results came back as slightly hormone responsive/ HER2 negative. I’m on my second type of Chemo after the first one seemed to be failing.
I’m hoping someone may be able to help me, a while after being diagnosed I read an article in the Daily Mail about a more detailed and specific testing of the cancer which can give a better indication of the best Chemotherapy for that type of cancer. It said that the NHS are not using this more specific testing service which is available.
I think this article was in 2022/2023
I’d like to look into getting this test done to be sure I am on the best treatment for my cancer. The hospital should have my biopsy tissue stored still as I understand?
It makes sense to be on the specific treatment most likely to work on my cancer.
I’ve been searching back and cannot find the article again easily, does anyone know of this article and/or test?
Thanks for reading. Hope someone can help.
Best wishes to you all!
I can’t help with Daily Mail articles but can think of 2 tests you may be referring to. There’s a test called Prosigna for ER+ HER- cancer. I am not sure whether NICE has decided whether it’s cost effective or not. The other is Mammaprint and is I think for any type of cancer, and I know NICE concluded that one was not cost effective. I considered Mammaprint when first diagnosed (I have TNBC) but went with the oncologist’s recommendation to have chemo. I think both of them are aimed more at whether chemo is worth it or not, for someone newly diagnosed / not metastatic.
Treatment plans are driven by type of cancer, grade, stage, and what you have already had, so you should always be recommended the most appropriate treatment for your situation. They always describe treatment for metastatic cancer as ‘palliative’ as its aim is to keep cancer load and symptoms as low as possible whilst giving you the best quality of life. Probably better not to overthink it - they are the experts.
I can’t help with the article but a call or message to the BCN may facilitate an answer
Helpline: 0808 800 6000 (Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; Sat 9am-1pm). Speak to our trained helpline team. No questions are too big or too small.
Ask Our Nurses: You can message our nurses here on the forum, or confidentially. Whatever you prefer
Or you could post in the secondary group as someone there may have experience of this test.
Secondary breast cancer is full of uncertainties. But you can count onLiving with Secondary Breast Cancer to be there for you, no matter what. You’ll be able to talk, listen and learn with people who understand the challenges that secondary breast cancer brings. Our groups are open to people with a secondary diagnosis. Monthly sessions, facilitated by a therapist, are held in a variety of locations across the UK and online. Find a group. And if you are 45 or under? Our Younger Women with Secondaries Together events provide information and support
LiveChat: Open to people with a secondary diagnosis. A private chat room where you can talk to others in a similar situation
I wish you well with your treatment and hope you find the article
