A new study gives hope (and ammunition) to women diagnosed with breast cancer and who are trying to avoid chemotherapy.
Researchers presented their findings of an almost decade-long study at the American Society of Clinical Oncology conference in Chicago in early June 2018. The groundbreaking study is the largest breast cancer treatment trial ever done, and the research will be published in The New England Journal of Medicine.
The study found that treatment with chemotherapy and hormone therapy after surgery is not more beneficial than treatment with hormone therapy alone for many breast cancer patients. This includes women with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative, axillary lymph node–negative breast cancer (meaning the cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes).
During the study, over ten thousand patients were given a test called Oncotype DX. Oncotype DX uses a biopsy sample to measure the activity of genes involved in cell growth and response to hormone therapy. This is used to predict how likely cancer is to return.
As reported in USA Today, half of the 67% of women in the study showing an intermediate risk of recurrence using the Oncotype test had surgery and hormone therapy, and half of them also received chemo. After nine years, 94% of both groups were still alive and about 84% were alive without signs of cancer – indicating the chemo made no difference in the patient’s outcome.
Study leader Joseph Sparano claims the impact of this study is tremendous because healthcare practitioners can now rule out chemotherapy after most patients have already gone through surgery and hormone therapy. This will make chemotherapy just a hazardous extra step that most women can avoid and patients can now think about their best options before jumping to chemotherapy.
It’s reported these findings could now potentially save an estimated 70,000 patients diagnosed with breast cancer the agony of debating chemotherapy altogether.
The known risks of chemotherapy during breast cancer treatment are not new, and healthcare professionals have already begun limiting exposure to their patients who may not need chemotherapy.
Steven Katz, a University of Michigan researcher was quoted in USA Today as saying, “Oncologists have been getting much smarter about dialing back treatment so that it doesn’t do more harm than good. That’s important because chemo is toxic; it whacks patients out and can result in long-term job loss.”
If you are a breast cancer patient working with a conventional doctor, be sure they’re aware of this new research when discussing your options. Better yet, discover the best ways to prevent breast cancer from developing before it ever gains a foothold.
Thank you for telling us about this valuable study
I did had breast cancer in 2014 I went trough five surgeries, to be honest I don’t scare cancer o any other cronic illness,.I’m Cancer free now
Great to hear that you are cancer free now Ade!
Thank you for all your wonderful information
Love y0ur work Ty and as a Cancer patient myself, I’m spreading the word!~
Thanks for spreading our message with others! Wishing you all the best Bonnie!
Do you know how to find dose of DIM? I am ER/PR pos breast ca 3 Years out. Had oncotype DX and no chemo but did have surgery and radiation. Refused estrogen blocker. Taking DIM 100mg daily from Olympian Labs. Thanks, Neva Jo Beydler
What about genetic breast cancer?
Cancer is not genetic. Some women have mutated genes (BRCA1 or BRCA2) that place them at a higher risk of getting cancer, but the genes alone are not the cause of the cancer. Possessing gene mutations requires that the individual must work even more diligently at lowering their toxic load and living a healthy, preventative lifestyle, which I reality we all should be doing.
Thank you for the work you do presenting the latest research which would be difficult for me to find. I lost a friend to breast cancer. The first breast was treated with radiation, and that destroyed her lung. The second breast was treated with chemotherapy and that destroyed her heart. She died from the treatments.
Knowing the facts allows a person to make a better educated decision concerning their health.
Eating clean and cleaning up your living environment of as many chemicals as possible is always the first step in prevention.
Thanks for all the information that you share.
Hello, Linda!
We are very sorry to hear about the loss of your friend and thank you for empowering yourself with this life-saving information!
You can help us reach more people with the truth by sharing the article with friends and family.
Blessings.
Thank you Ty for your wonderful information. I got your book and DVD’s already last year (A Global Quest) and have been advocating it to whoever I can. A Friend (who I didn’t know she had breast cancer AND her sister at the same time, both in their early 70’s) both had Chemo, one had a mild heart attack during her first treatment, but she still “had to have 7 more weeks of it at a lesser strength, the other one now has Liver and Stomach damage. BOTH say they would NEVER go thru it again. My next door neighbor (73 years old) has been diagnosed with BC, they removed 6 Lymph Nodes and there was Cancer in 2. She told the Doctors she would NOT consent to Chemo but would have Radiation. Now they have removed ANOTHER 13 Lymph Nodes and found Cancer in 6 more. I don’t know what they will tell her next, no doubt more pressure to have Chemo. Another friend in her late 60’s had BC, they gave her Chemo, after the 2n session she had a massive Stroke and was dead within a week. I tell them about your Books etc but nobody wants to change their “lifestyle” or food. I am a Christian as well and the Bible says:-“Your life is 70 years or 80 by special mightyness”! Admittedly in these modern days your life can be “prolonged” but at what cost? A very good friend of ours was diagnosed with Stomach Cancer (82 yrs) and was told if he wouldn’t have Chemo he would be dead in 6 weeks. He said he would rather have Quality then Quantity, had no Chemo or Radiation and lived for another 11 months and died peacefully and with dignity at Home. Another friend has ANCA POSITIVE VASCULITIS (of the lungs-you might not be familiar with this) she was in Hospital 9 weeks, her breathing is deteriorating, she can only walk slowly approx 20 minutes before she has to rest, she has been since her diagnosis 3 years ago, on DAILY Chemo tablets, Prednisolone and strong Antibiotics. Now, because of all the Medication her Specialist has told her, she has got Osteoporosis and impaired Vision due to Cataracts caused by the medication. YOUR information and Posts have certainly changed my view of this horrific Disease and what can and shouldn’t be done, but we all have to make our own choices. Thank you so much for your continuous encouragement.
This treatment is working for me! 4 year survivor!
Lynda,
We are so glad that you are with us! Thanks for being part of our mission.
What about recurrence breast cancer after 20 yrs and now has spread into her bones (my mother). She will be going for her chemo drip second treatment.
In this sentence:
“As reported in USA Today, half of the 67% of women in the study showing an intermediate risk of recurrence using the Oncotype test had surgery and hormone therapy, and half of them also received chemo.”
What scores determine and “intermediate risk” here? One cannot know if this applied to them unless a range is given for the intermediate classification.
Thank you,
Tara Diamond
What about the recurrence breast cancer after 20 yrs for two years now and the cancer has spread into her bones (my mother)? She will be going for her second chemo drip treatment.
I did send a comment just few minutes ago and noticed I typed in a period whereas should have been a question mark. Sorry.
Hi Ty,
Thank you for all valuable information. I had breast cancer diagnosed 2014 had surgery but opted out of cemo and radiation. Changed my diet , increased activity like Yoga and still work as a Nurse at age 68years. I can see what happened when CA treatment is done to patients. They die on the side effects. Love your work, god bless you
I lover everything you are doing and a wonderful job. Sorry I have been so busy do not get to be involved as much as I would like to. My son brought in from the woods Chaga mushrooms and I have several hundred PawPaw trees which I utilize. Thanks! God Bless you all!
Thanks for taking the time to read this post and your comment, Janice!
You have a real treasure there with the Chaga Mushrooms that your son brought you!
Many Blessings.
I am lost for words to express how grateful I am for the wonderful work you do Ty and Charlene. Thank you.
Hello, Robyn!
Thank you so much for the nice words and feedback!
We will make sure to pass your thoughts onward.
Have a blessed day and thank you for your support.
I thought the hormone therapy was a chemo drug.
Sure made me sick and not with it, I lasted 4 days on it.
Thank you for all you do. BC 2018, ER+\PR+.lumpectomy, no radiation, no chemo, no pills. Lifestyle change, organic food, meditation.Vitamin C infusion. Blessings.
God bless you, Barb!
” As reported in USA Today, half of the 67% of wo …..” Please give the exact date so we can check what you are saying.
Please give sources so we can see for ourselves