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Could Gut Issues possibly contribute Progression to Metastatic?
Following on from Professor James Lawson and his local and international colleagues searching for the causes of breast cancer over the last 30 years. By 2021 they had found some of the answers - you can read about his research here: https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/25105/review-new-book-called-catching-breast-cancer-by-james-lawson-eminent-breast-cancer-researcher#latest Could the health of the gut quietly influence whether certain breast cancers spread through the body? New research from the University of Virginia suggests that the answer may be yes, especially for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. This common subtype of breast cancer has benefited from major treatment advances, yet metastasis remains a serious concern. The study highlights a surprising player in that process: the gut microbiome and its role in regulating bile acids. Altogether, the work suggests that gut health, the microbiome, bile acids, and immune responses may be more intertwined with metastatic breast cancer than previously appreciated. While it is too early to translate these findings into routine clinical practice for every patient, the research opens up new directions for treatment and prevention strategies. It also illustrates how looking beyond the tumor and into the broader systems of the body can uncover powerful influences on cancer progression. Read about it here: https://news.virginia.edu/content/qa-could-better-gut-health-help-fight-breast-cancer31ViewsSign in to react to this post0CommentsHow AMAZING if HPV vaccine reduces future BC diagnoses!
Professor James Lawson from University of NSW (who has been researching causes of Breast Cancer for 30 years) believes that some BCs may even be caused by the HPV virus - and hopes to identify whether women who contract HPV are then at a higher risk of developing breast cancer later on in life! For over 30 years Professor James Lawson and his local and international colleagues have searched for the causes of breast cancer. By 2021 they had found some of the answers - you can read about his research here: https://onlinenetwork.bcna.org.au/discussion/25105/review-new-book-called-catching-breast-cancer-by-james-lawson-eminent-breast-cancer-researcher#latest (HPV has already been proven to cause Cervical Cancer - with a free vaccination [Gardasil ® 9] now available to young teenage girls and others up to age 26!) https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/vaccines/hpv-human-papillomavirus-vaccine With an 80% vaccination rate currently amongst women in Australia - data on BC occurrence in the next 20-50 years 'should fall' if this is the case! Only time will tell. https://oncologynews.com.au/latest-news/hpv-may-lead-to-breast-cancer/ Remember - It is not 'that' long since Stomach Ulcers (caused by Heliobactor Pylori bacteria, not stress or poor diet as once thought), are now totally curable when diagnosed, being treated with a series of specific antibiotics. Following on from 'THAT' theory - there is a similar theory re the cause of dementia too. Interesting - one researcher thinks Dementia may be caused by an autoimmune disease! There has long been the theory that many diseases may be caused by autoimmune/bacterial infections .... rather than just by bad luck. (The association between immune response against mycobacterial infections and autoimmune disease has long been suspected, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Type 1 diabetes mellitus, multiple sclerosis (MS), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), microscopic polyangiitis, and sarcoidosis (SA). Relatively recently Stiff-Person Syndrome, felt to be autoimmune, and which causes rigidity and spasms in the trunk and limbs, has been added to this list as an autoimmune and neurological disorder.) https://www.j-alz.com/editors-blog/posts/does-alzheimers-even-come-close-being-autoimmune-disease (This pretty well mimics research from an Australian Doctor, Professor James Lawson (main article) who believes that some forms of Breast Cancer may be 'caught' from a bacterial infection .... ) How AMAZING if a vaccine could be developed to prevent these diseases from even starting (just as Gardisil9 now prevents Cervical Cancer!) How many other cancers are there, out there, that 'may' be prevented by a vaccine?ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsUK approves new BC drug after Serena-6 Phase 111 Trial
Australia often follows other countries with BC trials & drug approvals .... let's hope this trial happens in Aussie, too. The Institute of Cancer Research, London, strongly welcomes the news that camizestrant, a powerful new drug for advanced breast cancer that can be used to treat emerging tumours, has been approved by the medicines regulator, the MHRA. The drug has been approved to be used in combination with a CDK4/6 inhibitor (palbociclib, ribociclib or abemaciclib) for the treatment of ER-positive, HER2-negative, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer. The approval is based on results from the SERENA-6 Phase III trial - funded by AstraZeneca and co-led by researchers at The Institute of Cancer Research, London, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and Institut Curie, Paris – which were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. You can read more about it here: https://www.icr.ac.uk/about-us/icr-news/detail/icr-welcomes-mhra-approval-of-breast-cancer-drug-that-targets-tumours-before-they-have-a-chance-to-grow Details on current (and past) Breast Cancer Trials in Australia can be checked here: http://www.breastcancertrials.org.auViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsGroundbreaking genomic test could spare millions of breast cancer patients chemotherapy
I wonder if there were any members ON the Optima Trial? The Optima trial, led by University College London, followed more than 4,000 patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer in the UK, Norway, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand and Thailand. It found that those with a low score on the ge https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/may/29/groundbreaking-genomic-test-spare-breast-cancer-patients-chemotherapy-hormone-therapy Karen Bonham was part of successful trial for genomic test that determines which women with breast cancer can safely avoid chemotherapy https://www.theguardian.com/society/2026/may/29/breast-cancer-chemotherapy-genomic-test-case-studyViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsAngiosarcoma (my purple spot)
Hi Everyone, I’m writing this in the hope that it will help others in being alert to this disease which is so rare (US figures state 1 in a million people get this). I had radiation and a lumpectomy in 2016 for breast cancer and got lymphodema in that left breast, this seems to be what most Angiosarcoma cases had previously. I have done my own research with every medical person I meet and only 1 nurse has seen it. Not my top Oncologist, not my Doctor and most importantly not the Emergency department at the hospital I presented to by the time the thing was sticking out of my breast like a purple raspberry. At the emergency they did a scan and sent me home saying nothing was wrong. A few weeks later I asked my Doctor about it and she sent me to see an Oncologist who ordered a scan and a biopsy. My breast was full of Angiosarcoma which is very agressive. The purple growth outside my breast had doubled in 2 months. I would be dead now if I had accepted that first diagnosis. If you ever get something on your breast the is reddish purple please demand a biopsy. It could save your life. I’ve since had a double mastectomy (the other breast by my own request). As it’s now mid April and I’m feeling great no further treatment is planned but I am waiting to see a Sarcoma specialist for a chat. I will probably have to be scanned in the future as it is said to be aggressive. My faith in God and a herbal tea that I took when I had breast cancer is getting me through at present. Lots more of love JanViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsResearch has found that slow growing rogue cells can cause late recurrence
Some cancers grow fast - and they use chemo to knock it out, as chemo hits the faster growing cells (eg hair & skin, which get hit as a nasty side effect.) Some cancers grow slow & need different treatment to target IT. Bu when some of the fast growing cells (that became resistant to chemo) start growing SLOW ..... current research is indicating that it might be THESE cells that are contributing to cancer recurrence/Mets at a much later date! Here's hoping they can work out how to target these cells to blast them out of existence too! As these are the really dangerous ones. The study results showed that rogue breast cancer cells can reprogram themselves to divide at a remarkably slow pace, allowing them to form microscopic tumours that silently tick away in distant organs, evading detection for decades. While relapse is known to be caused by cancer cells lying dormant in the bone or other organs, this new research provides evidence on a parallel pathway by which stealthy cancer cells develop into secondary tumours – findings which could uncover new approaches to prevent metastasis. Garvan Institute's study .... https://www.garvan.org.au/news-resources/news/slowly-ticking-breast-cancer-cells-offer-new-clues-to-late-relapse NSW University is sharing this study they've published alongside the Garvan Institute of Medical Research https://www.unsw.edu.au/newsroom/news/2026/05/slowly-ticking-breast-cancer-cells-offer-new-clues-to-late-relapse More indepth article re UNSW's research https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-026-70683-xViewsSign in to react to this postComment🩺LeaN On Program: reducing the risk of lymphoedema
LeaN On - a research initiative led by Professor Bogda Koczwara and developed by Flinders University in partnership with BCNA, was developed in response to a long‑standing gap in survivorship care. Lymphoedema is a chronic condition affecting the arm or hand that can develop weeks, months or even years after breast cancer treatment, yet many people report receiving little guidance about early warning signs, risk reduction or when to seek support. LeaN On is an evidence‑based digital platform designed to support people who are living with, or concerned about, lymphoedema after breast cancer. The platform guides users through a simple 12‑step online journey, with each step offering small, manageable and practical information to help people: understand what lymphoedema is recognise early signs and symptoms take actions now to reduce risk know when and how to seek professional support The platform is currently being trialed through a research study, evaluating how lymphoedema support can be delivered online, including both self‑directed and nurse‑supported options. Its online design allows people to access guidance regardless of where they live, including in regional and rural areas where access to specialist care can be limited. Consumer perspectives have been embedded throughout the project. Participants for co‑design activities were recruited through the Review and Survey Group, and BCNA supported the research by appointing a trained Consumer Representative to the project team. This ensured lived experience informed both the development of the platform and the research approach. Both the platform and the study underpinning its development have now been published, and people affected by breast cancer are invited to trial LeaN On by contacting [email protected] Learn more about the LeaN On project: BCNA overview article Flinders University article and trial information Published studyViewsSign in to react to this postComments💻Online event: VCCC Alliance Breast Cancer Grand Round
Breast Cancer Grand Rounds are designed primarily for healthcare professionals and focus on clinical research, case discussions, and advances in treatment. They provide an opportunity to hear directly from experts working at the forefront of breast cancer research, and to better understand how new knowledge is being translated into care. Breast Cancer Grand Round with Dr Julia Dixon-Douglas: Making sense of senescence: Impact of CDK4/6i on early-stage breast cancer biology. 📅 Date: 6 May 2026 🕐 Time: 1.00 pm to 2.00 pm AEST 📍 Format: Hybrid event, with options to attend online. 👉 Register for this event hereViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsGiredestrant Reduces Recurrence Risk More Than Tamoxifen, Aromatase Inhibitors - lidERA Trial
Is/was anyone on the 'lidERA' Trial? Apparently there is evidence that Giredestrant may Reduce Recurrence Risk up to 30% More Than Tamoxifen, Aromatase Inhibitors. https://www.breastcancer.org/research-news/giredestrant-reduces-recurrence-risk-better-than-tamoxfen-and-aromatase-inhibitors Giredestrant Reduces Recurrence Risk More Than Tamoxifen, Aromatase Inhibitors Results from the lidERA trial suggest that giredestrant could be a new standard of care for early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Written by Jamie DePolo | Reviewed by Kevin Fox, MD Published on December 21, 2025 In this article Taking giredestrant after surgery to remove early-stage hormone receptor-positive HER2-negative breast cancer seems to lower the risk of the cancer coming back (called recurrence) more than taking tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor. Giredestrant is a new oral selective estrogen receptor downregulator (SERD), a type of hormonal therapy. The research was presented at the 2025 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium. Key takeaways People who took giredestrant were 30% less like to have any type of recurrence — cancer coming back in the breast area or in any part of the body — than people who took tamoxifen or one of the aromatase inhibitors: Arimidex (chemical name: anastrozole), Aromasin (chemical name: exemestane), or Femara (chemical name: letrozole). People who took giredestrant were 31% less likely to have distant or metastatic recurrence — cancer coming back in a part of the body away from the breast — than people who took tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor. The side effects of giredestrant were similar to those of tamoxifen and the aromatase inhibitors – hot flashes and joint and muscle pain – but they appeared to be less severe. About 5% of people taking giredestrant stopped treatment because of side effects compared to about 8% of people taking an aromatase inhibitor or tamoxifen. What the results mean for you Longer follow-up of the study is needed, but if the results are confirmed, the findings could mean the first major change in treatment after surgery for early-stage hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in more than 25 years. While giredestrant isn’t yet approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Genentech, the company that makes it, is expected to apply for approval very soon. Why do the study? After surgery, many people diagnosed with early-stage hormone receptor-positive HER2-negative breast cancer take hormonal therapy, usually tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor, for five to 10 years to lower the risk of recurrence. Although survival rates are high with this treatment, up to 33% of people have the cancer come back. Research also shows that many people struggle with the side effects of tamoxifen and the aromatase inhibitors; studies suggest …ViewsSign in to react to this postComment📝 Have Your Say: Survey for People Impacted by Cancer
BCNA is inviting our community to take part in a new survey run by Nous Group and Queensland University of Technology (QUT). The survey will help evaluate two national programs: Australian Cancer Nursing and Navigation Program (ACNNP) Cancer Patient Support Program (CPSP) This project has received ethics approval from the AIATSIS Research Ethics Committee. ⭐ Who can participate? The survey is open to anyone impacted by cancer, including people who: Have ever had a cancer diagnosis May currently be undergoing investigations Are relatives, carers, or friends supporting someone with a cancer diagnosis Have or have not accessed services funded by ACNNP or CPSP Everyone’s voice is welcome ❤️ 💬 What does participation involve? The Australian Government has invested in new and enhanced cancer navigation, information, and support programs. This survey aims to understand community awareness and experiences, and your feedback will help inform the evaluation of these programs. All responses are anonymous and sent directly to an independent evaluator. 🗓 Survey closes: 13 March 2026 🔗 Take the survey here: Survey for people impacted by cancer ❓ Want to know more? If you have any questions about the survey, you can contact the evaluation team at: 📧 [email protected]ViewsSign in to react to this postComments👣 CanSTEP Study – Share Your Views! (Sydney/Brisbane/Adelaide Residents)
Are you a cancer survivor living with tingling, numbness, or burning pain after chemotherapy? Researchers want to know: Can fun stepping games help reduce these symptoms and improve your quality of life? Join the CanSTEP study – a 6-month research project by Prince of Wales Hospital and Neuroscience Research Australia. What’s involved? ✔ Home-based step training using a wireless mat (just 80–120 mins/week for 16 weeks) ✔ Questionnaires & assessments on symptoms, balance, and cognition ✔ Random allocation to training or usual care (with option for training later) Who can join? ✅ 18+ years old ✅ Living in Sydney, Brisbane, or Adelaide ✅ Finished chemo at least 6 months ago ✅ Experiencing neuropathy symptoms affecting walking ✅ Able to walk 10m without an aid ✅ Have internet access 📞 Call 02 9399 1734 📧 Email [email protected] Approved by South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee. 👉 Interested? Comment below or reach out today!ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsLiquid Biopsies to identify ctDNA in blood & relevance to ILC (Invasive Lobular Cancer) & other BCs
Further to the discussion on British Researchers on early detection of BC using Blood Tests ...... A promising Blood Test Breakthrough in the UK identifying best treatment. | BCNA Online Network This first recording (first session of a four part series) on liquid biopsy/CtDNA tests and relevance for ILC on the Lobular Breast Cancer Website will be of interest to those who are diagnosed with Invasive Lobular Cancer. Dr Foldi also describes the describes the difference in shape of ILC vs other BCs ... and how some scans will miss it - but others will pick it up. Put the video on FULL SCREEN, for the best viewing option. https://lobularbreastcancer.org/liquid-biopsy-webinar-series-view-session-1-on-demand/ If you have a diagnosis of ILC and haven't 'subscribed' to the Lobular Breast Cancer Website yet (for their emails & updates) I would recommend that you do, as they are keeping up to date with all things ILC & regularly send out emails, advising you of these advancements too. https://lobularbreastcancer.org/ Keep your eyes open for the next 3 sessions - if you've subscribed you should be advised when they come up! If I see the updates, I'll add them here, so they are all together. Remember that KNOWLEDGE IS POWER ... the more you understand about your diagnosis of ILC, you'll feel more confident discussing treatments and/or concerns you may have during treatment & after treatment has been completed. Take care, stay wellViewsSign in to react to this postCommentA promising Blood Test Breakthrough in the UK identifying best treatment.
There are already a few tests out there predicting which type of treatment will be best for your type of Breast Cancer, but they can cost thousands of dollars - hopefully this one isn't as expensive, if and when it becomes available to patients. A new, simple blood test can predict which breast cancer treatment will work best, study finds DNA test means patients could be offered most effective treatment first, boosting their chances of beating the disease. The test, developed by a team at the Institute of Cancer Research, London (ICR), analyses circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), which is released into the blood of patients by cancer cells. (my edit: there has been huge interest in Circulating Tumour Cells (ctDNA) for well over 5 years now, as these are the microscopic cancer cells that may be missed with surgery & chemo/treatment - possibly leading to recurrence further down the line.) https://www.theguardian.com/science/2026/jan/18/simple-blood-test-can-predict-which-breast-cancer-treatment-will-work-best-study-finds I've added the pdf of the article in case you can't access the WebsiteViewsSign in to react to this postComment🔬Have you seen the latest research on paxalisib for treatment of breast cancer?
Sydney based Kazia Therapeutics (oncology company) has announced promising new findings that could change the future of cancer treatment. These early results suggest that innovative approaches are showing real potential to improve patient outcomes and offer more targeted, effective therapies. ✨ Kazia said the patient with stage-four (metastatic) breast cancer has achieved an "immune-complete response", meaning there was no indication she still had cancer ✨ While it’s still in the research phase, this breakthrough highlights the incredible progress being made in oncology. Every step forward brings us closer to treatments that are not only more effective but also kinder to patients’ quality of life. This is a reminder of why continued investment in research matters, and why hope is very much alive in our wonderful community 🩷 👉 Read the full story here: Oncology company reports promising cancer findViewsSign in to react to this postComments📣 Share your views: All.Can Patient & Carer Experience Survey
All.Can Australia is conducting a survey that seeks to collect perspectives of Australians who have experienced any type and stage of cancer, as well as their caregivers, to identify key gaps in cancer care treatment and support to shape the future of cancer care in Australia. The aim of this retrospective cross-sectional study is to obtain qualitative data on the experiences of patients and carers who have been directly impacted by cancer with the current processes of diagnosis, treatment and post-cancer care across Australia. 📝 The anonymous online questionnaire comprises of 40 questions which takes around 20 minutes and includes questions about your experience with diagnosis, treatment, and post-cancer care. Your insights will help improve care for others across Australia. ✅ This project has ethics approval from The University of Melbourne (Project ID 32576). 👉 Click here for survey. To find out more about the project, please read the project plain language statement attached. Thank you for helping make a difference 💗ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsNeo-N trial in TNBC
Anyone else in the Neo-N trial for triple negative? I’m one of two participants in my hospital in Brisbane and started my first immunotherapy yesterday. Please get in touch if you are part of the trial or are thinking about it. Would be great to chat to other people as treatment progresses.ViewsSign in to react to this postCommentsCambria-II
Hi team My oncologist has floated the option of joining the Cambria-II trial for me. How on earth do I decide if this is for me or not? So much to considerViewsSign in to react to this postComments
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