What is a Breast Cancer Index test? The Breast Cancer Index test analyzes the activity of 11 genes to help predict the risk of early-stage, hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer coming back 5 to 10 years after diagnosis.
Is the Breast Cancer Index test worth it? Breast Cancer Index (or BCI) is a new test to help determine if you are likely to benefit from an additional five years of anti-estrogen medication. BCI can also provide additional clarity around the risk of cancer returning between 5-10 years after diagnosis. BCI requires no additional procedure for you.
Is Breast Cancer Index same as Oncotype? Isn’t Breast Cancer Index the same thing? No. Oncotype DX predicts likely benefit from chemotherapy. Breast Cancer Index is a test that predicts whether you are likely to benefit from an additional 5 years of anti-estrogen medication.
How do you get the Breast Cancer Index? A pickup may be scheduled online at www.fedex.com or by calling (800) 463-3339.
What is a Breast Cancer Index test? – Additional Questions
Is Breast Cancer Index covered by Medicare?
Insurance Information
Medicare covers Breast Cancer Index™ at a predetermined rate with no fees charged to your patients.
What do cancer numbers mean?
The numbers after the letters indicate how big the tumor is and how far it has spread. The combination of letters and numbers describes the type of cancer, its size, characteristics and extent. Doctors often use this classification as a basis for making a prognosis and proposing an individual treatment plan.
What is the cancer marker blood test called?
Why do I need a tumor marker test?
| CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) |
| Tumor marker for: |
colorectal cancer, and also for cancers of the lung, stomach, thyroid, pancreas, breast, and ovary |
| Used to: |
See if cancer treatment is working See if cancer has come back after you’ve finished treatment |
How is breast cancer staging determined?
Clinical staging is based on the results of tests done before surgery, which may include physical examinations, mammogram, ultrasound, and MRI scans. Pathological staging is based on what is found during surgery to remove breast tissue and lymph nodes. The results are usually available several days after surgery.
What stage is a 2 cm tumor?
T1 (includes T1a, T1b, and T1c): Tumor is 2 cm (3/4 of an inch) or less across. T2: Tumor is more than 2 cm but not more than 5 cm (2 inches) across. T3: Tumor is more than 5 cm across. T4 (includes T4a, T4b, T4c, and T4d): Tumor of any size growing into the chest wall or skin.
How accurate is the BCI test?
In a time-dependent (10-y) ROC curve accuracy analysis of recurrence risk, the addition of BCI+AO increased predictive accuracy in all patients from 66% (AO only) to 76% (AO+BCI) and in tamoxifen-only treated patients from 65% to 81%.
When do you use Oncotype DX?
When should I have the Oncotype DX test? You should have the test done when you and your doctor agree that the test results will be helpful for making decisions about chemotherapy treatment.
What is Prosigna test?
Prosigna is a test of gene activity in breast cancer. It assesses a patient’s pattern of genetic activity to provide a more accurate, personalised prediction about the risk of recurrence, and informs decisions about cancer treatment.
What is anastrozole used for?
Anastrozole is a type of hormone treatment. It works by lowering the levels of oestrogen hormones in your body. It is mainly prescribed for women who have been through the menopause and have a type of cancer called hormone-dependent breast cancer.
Does anastrozole ruin your teeth?
5. Does Anastrozole ruin your teeth? While Anastrozole or any other hormone-based cancer therapies do not ruin your teeth or dental problems are not common side effects of this drug, breast cancer survivors and chemotherapy patients must be aware of the risk of tooth decay and other dental problems.
What are the major side effects of anastrozole?
Anastrozole may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- weakness.
- headache.
- hot flashes.
- sweating.
- stomach pain.
- nausea.
- vomiting.
- loss of appetite.
What are the long term side effects of anastrozole?
Can Arimidex cause long-term side effects that result in permanent damage?
- osteoporosis (bone weakness) or bone fractures.
- depression.
- increased cholesterol levels.
- liver problems.
- hair loss or hair thinning.
What foods should be avoided with anastrozole?
Avoid raw fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, cereals, and seeds. Soluble fiber is found in some foods and absorbs fluid, which can help relieve diarrhea.
What is the success rate of anastrozole?
RESULTS: Anastrozole was as effective as tamoxifen in terms of OR (21% v 17% of patients, respectively), with clinical benefit (CR + PR + stabilization ≥ 24 weeks) observed in 59% of patients on anastrozole and 46% on tamoxifen (two-sided P = . 0098, retrospective analysis).
What drugs should not be taken with anastrozole?
Serious Interactions of anastrozole include:
- bazedoxifene/conjugated estrogens.
- conjugated estrogens.
- estradiol.
- estrogens conjugated synthetic.
- estrogens esterified.
- estropipate.
- ethinylestradiol.
- tamoxifen.
Why do you have to take anastrozole for 5 years?
Some people start taking anastrozole after a number of years of taking another hormone therapy drug called tamoxifen. If you’re taking anastrozole to treat breast cancer that has come back or spread to another part of the body, you’ll usually take it for as long as it’s effective and any side effects can be managed.
Why does anastrozole cause weight gain?
Weight gain may also occur because aromatase inhibitors (such as anastrozole) counteract the effects of estrogen. An enzyme called lipoprotein lipase (LPL) sits on the surface of cells and pulls fat out of the bloodstream. On a muscle cell it puts fat into the cell where it is used for fuel.
