It crossed my mind that it might only be offered to patients with particular types of breast cancer. I didn’t know that the oncotype test was restricted. I was offered the test as I had one reactor out of the three lymph glands removed. I’m sorry to hear that other patients don’t get the option. It gave me peace of mind. So, I think I would want the new diagnostic test, if there was treatment and support available. Otherwise, I’m not sure, and I fully recognise that it’s got to be down to patient preference in the end.
Yes, the oncotype isn’t offered if you are classed as low risk on Predict or NPI .
I assume the thinking is that they wouldn’t offer chemo , so they save money on the oncotype . Even though the oncotype could mean some women would benefit and some could be spared chemo, based on their individual results 
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It seems so random, but yes, in my case it was down to whether or not I should be treated with chemo. My score was ten, so didn’t go down that path.
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I have noticed the papers always seem to pick up on cancer research before it’s tried and tested on a large patient population sample. Journalists get in first with a story of a new treatment but they don’t really know enough to target their stories to people who would benefit from it.
They seldom understand that breast cancer is like Heinz with 57 varieties. Not all of them will respond to the same treatments.
Hence I would view all these press releases with caution.
Seagulls
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I’d like to think that if we were to have this test and it gives a positive recurrence result that we would be more closely monitored with scans etc, and treatment being offered more quickly than if it is left to us to find something which may or may not be of concern.
I’ve been told I am high risk, but I’ll only have routine annual mams on remaining breast and nothing on mastectomy site, despite tumour being close to chest wall. I would like reconstruction, but the only answer to my question, how could I feel a potential lump growing behind an implant, is that I’ll just know. I don’t find that very helpful.
No doubt this test won’t be rolled out for several years anyway.
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Mmm. That’s a good question. I also have this question as to how will I know if it’s come back on the mastectomy site. It’s so stressful when you’re only offered a mammogram on remaining breast. I may also have a reconstruction in the future and if it’s behind the implant would you still feel a lump.
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@rosa1 @isitreallyme : I have the same questions and concerns. I had a mastectomy done last year with immediate reconstruction (silicon implant). I was told I’m high risk for the cancer to come back but they said I would only have yearly mammo and echo ; scans such as CT/PET are only done if you have symptoms! I kept questioning this and kept mentioning that I distrust mammo and am very anxious about the cancer coming back. Finally I got what I wanted, an appt for a MRI in summer. Keep fighting for what you think is right for you
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Have you finished your treatment? I may push for this when I see the surgeon again. I have an appointment in November as a follow up so will see what he says about ongoing monitoring. I’m glad you managed to get one? I know it can’t pick up everything but at least they’ll be some signs before you start getting symptoms.
For those interested in hearing more about the new blood test, there was a piece on it (and an interview with Simon Vincent, director of research, support and influencing at Breast Cancer Now) on yesterday morning’s Woman’s Hour (Monday 3rd June), available to download on BBC Sounds. Its about 50 minutes into the programme, and goes into more detail about the research and the DNA test, and includes the question about what happens if cancer is detected.
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I’m going to ask that question when I see my surgeon later on in the year. I did ask if it’s possible for cancer to recur in the same breast after a mastectomy. Apparently it is, if cancer cells are left behind.
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Do you mind giving a synopsis of what happens if a positive test occurs? Here in the states, insurance hasn’t authorized scans unless there are physical symptoms and a positive test doesn’t count as physical symptoms. So we just sit here. Also, even if they did offer scans it might not show up anywhere if it’s small enough. So curious how you all would proceed.
Dr Liz Orierdan has done a really interesting explanatory video on her Instagram & youtubw chanel for anyone looking for more information
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During the interview the following points were mentioned:
The clinical trial showed that the test can predict the reoccurrence months if not years before a scan, so potentially treatment start before incurable. The study found the test to be 100% accurate. With this early information there is the potential to start treatment before the cancer is there from clinical symptoms, so there is a far better chance of keeping under control or stopping it from coming back. Also, the test will indicate if the cancer has evolved and changed and mutated.
The clinical trials are continuing, but in the future the aim is find out how to offer the best treatment based on the results. The interview didn’t go into specifics about the treatment. But it maybe that the patient is offered a different drug, another approach, but broadly the test will inform the clinical decisions made by the oncologist.
I hope this answers your questions. Lets hope the test trials continue to offer positive news in treating cancer in the future.
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That to me is the most important part. Once they figure that out this will be great.
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Thanks for the further pointers to info on new blood tests.
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It’s all interesting - maybe women like me who have only had lumpectomy ( many of us were not offered mastectomy ) might be given, the option to have preventive mastectomy or would it already be too late for that ?
It’s always the case that science doesn’t develop evenly . I know that we are all indebted to them for everything they’ve done so far which has helped to improve diagnosis treatment and life expectancy but they always seem to be opening doors without a plan for how to deal with whatever is behind them .
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I know what you mean, and cancer is a complicated beast as it morphs and goes into hiding and pops up somewhere else. The science is having to play catch-up with an enormous number of scenarios. But I’m hopeful that very early diagnosis will give clinicians a chance to get ahead of it.