Oncotype DX testing
Hi. I was diagnosed with her2 negative oestrogen and progesterone positive LC in early Oct 24 and have had two surgeries to remove a 9cm tumour and lymph clearance with one lymph node having 9mm of tu...
Forum Discussion
I met the criteria for Oncotype Dx testing - it is not available for all types of breast cancer. It was the only test discussed with my specialists but I had knowledge of the test from many years ago so happy to go with this test even though it cost me $5000 with no rebates.
It looks at your specific cancer tissue and determines the risks for you as an individual.
I did not want to have chemotherapy if there was not going to be any benefit for me nor did I want to have the risk of side effects from chemotherapy some which may last for years (eg peripheral neuropathy).
My score came back very low so chemotherapy was going to be of no benefit to me and my recurrence risk is also low. Hormone therapy alone was the recommended treatment for my specific cancer.
I think there should be funding for more women to have the option to have this test as surely the cost of chemotherapy and treatment and hospitalisations as a result of chemotherapy side effects must outweigh the cost of the test.
I recall seeing an article last year that the UK was going to fund this test for hormone positive post menopausal women - maybe the group most likely to be determined to not gain any benefit from chemotherapy.
It looks at your specific cancer tissue and determines the risks for you as an individual.
I did not want to have chemotherapy if there was not going to be any benefit for me nor did I want to have the risk of side effects from chemotherapy some which may last for years (eg peripheral neuropathy).
My score came back very low so chemotherapy was going to be of no benefit to me and my recurrence risk is also low. Hormone therapy alone was the recommended treatment for my specific cancer.
I think there should be funding for more women to have the option to have this test as surely the cost of chemotherapy and treatment and hospitalisations as a result of chemotherapy side effects must outweigh the cost of the test.
I recall seeing an article last year that the UK was going to fund this test for hormone positive post menopausal women - maybe the group most likely to be determined to not gain any benefit from chemotherapy.