So lucky to be taking AI
Im so lucky to have started five years ago ..diagnosed with Mets and on my second AI Yes it can be a choice we are given For most of us the side effects are doable if not try another But for me they have slowed the mets progression The recommendation for bc hormone postive therapy is try and stay on on it for 10 years .for some it will be hard to do the long haul All the best with your decisions For me I do not have a choice Bright in hope
Policy & Advocacy Update - Vicki Durston - Feb26
As we continue to move through 2026, there’s a real sense of progress building across breast cancer outcomes - both here at home and internationally. I want to share two important moments that highlight how evidence, leadership, and advocacy are shaping a better future for those affected by breast cancer. ✨ Why AI in mammography can’t wait Eric Topol’s recent article, “Why All Mammograms Should Incorporate AI,” brings together powerful evidence showing that AI in breast screening is no longer a future idea - it’s part of modern, effective care today. One of the strongest examples is the large MASAI trial from Sweden, involving more than 105,000 women. When radiologists used AI as support, the outcomes were remarkable: 👉 29% more cancers detected 👉 24% more invasive cancers found 👉 No increase in false positives or recalls 👉 44% reduction in radiologist workload Two-year follow-up findings were equally compelling: fewer interval cancers, fewer invasive cancers, and fewer aggressive types such as triple negative and HER2-positive cancers. What international evidence now shows International evidence is telling a very consistent story. Large trials and real-world evaluations show that AI-supported mammography can safely increase cancer detection while reducing radiologist workload, without increasing false positives or unnecessary recalls. This matters in a system already under pressure. AI is also changing how we think about risk. New image-based risk models can analyse a mammogram that appears “normal” to the human eye and still identify women at higher risk of developing breast cancer in the next few years. This opens the door to more personalised, risk-stratified screening, rather than the one-size-fits-all model we rely on today. Here in Australia, BreastScreen is a highly respected program, but it was designed more than 30 years ago. While Victoria and NSW are now piloting AI within their services, we still lack a coordinated national approach for integrating AI into breast screening that reflects today’s evidence. What BCNA is calling for We are now at a decision point. The question Eric Topol poses - “If not now, then when?”- is the same challenge facing Australia. For BCNA, this is not about chasing technology for its own sake. We are calling for AI to be treated as a core part of the evolution of breast screening, not an optional add-on. That means: Embedding AI research, evaluation and implementation within BreastScreen Ongoing, in-program national investment in screening research and quality improvement Ensuring that the benefits of new technology are delivered equitably, so no woman is left behind because of where she lives or her background If we get this right, AI won’t replace the program Australians trust - it will strengthen it, helping detect cancers earlier, supporting an overstretched workforce, and moving us closer to truly personalised, risk-stratified screening.
Aromasin and weight gain, now I know Im not going mad...
Hey all, I had to share this as Ive thought I was going mad all these years, but now I know I'm not. I finished my treatment for my 2nd diagnosis in 2015 and was placed onto Arimidex, I was then changed to Aromasin. Post chemo I put on 6kg, this has blown out into 8kg now, to many they would say it wasn't much. However, in 3yrs I have tried EVERYTHING! exercise and diet, I would lose a little but it would reset itself back or more and now I know why. I am stuck on this for a further 2 yrs after discussions with my Oncologist, but Im upset that this is not discussed in depth with patients. I say this only from the point of full knowledge and understanding, not as to whether I would take it or not. This is purely for knowledge and knowing WHY I cannot get this weight off and so I can stop blaming myself and beating myself up. I will still continue to exercise and watch my diet, eventhough I know whilst on this medication not much will change, knowledge is just power isn't it? in a way Im relieved. Its hard to not get caught up in this post recovery of finding your new normal, but it doesnt help when we aren't told everything. There is light at the end of it I hope LOL Exemestane (AROMASIN) is a steroidal Aromatase Inhibitor (AI) Your extra weight may hang around and increase after chemotherapy if you also take hormonal therapy (tamoxifen or an aromatase inhibitor). If your body shifts into menopause because of chemotherapy, there's a tendency to gain weight. ... It's important to know that the hormone estrogen suppresses LPL activity on fat cells. The enzyme lipoprotein lipase (LPL)plays a major role in the metabolism and transport of lipids, and consequently is a participant in the development of obesity•One of its roles is to remove triglycerides from the blood for storage in both adipose tissue and muscle cells.••Enzyme activity may also explain why some people who lose weight regain it so easily. After weight loss and weight stabilization, adipose tissue LPL is increased and its response to meals is heightened.•People easily regain weight after having lost it because they are battling against enzymes that want to store fat. Fat storage is efficient, and fat oxidation is not•The activities of these and other proteins provide an explanation for the observation that some biological mechanism seems to set a person’s body weight or composition at a fixed point; the body will make adjustments to restore that set point if the person tries to change it. Hope this helps others understand why they can't shift that extra weight post treatment and know you too ARE NOT GOING MAD!!! Hugs everyone, am wishing 2 more years away as currently am 8yrs on combined medications and had enough! xx MAI Breast Cancer Risk Tool Back in the Spotlight 🧠
A topic that's come up in our Online Network in recent times is making headlines again - the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to better predict breast cancer risk. ABC News has reported on the new Australian research showing that an AI tool called 'BRAIx' can identify women at high likelihood of developing breast cancer even when their mammograms show no signs of cancer. Read more via the link Artificial intelligence detects high breast cancer risk in women given all-clear According to the study, 1 in 10 women who fell in the top 2% of risk scores did go on to develop breast cancer, despite having been given the “all clear” at screening. The team behind the project says the tool could be ready for wider use within about five years, potentially opening the door to more personalised screening rather than the current one‑size‑fits‑all approach.
Management of Aromatase Inhibitor–Induced Musculoskeletal Symptoms
There are plenty of Oncologists who STILL dismiss side effects from AIs (Aromatase Inhibitors) as either being a figment of our imagination, or they say/think the side effects aren't as severe as we advise them ..... just print this off & give it to them. They may learn something! Aromatase inhibitor–induced musculoskeletal symptoms (AIMSS) were first recognised as a distinct entity in 2001, 5 years after the approval of the first aromatase inhibitor, anastrozole. (I reckon Carpal Tunnel is about the only symptom/side effect I HAVEN'T had over the last 4.5 years from the list below ....) AIMSS can have a protean presentation, most commonly including joint pain and stiffness (including morning stiffness), but also carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), tenosynovitis, myalgia, and muscle weakness, such as reduced grip strength. Symptoms can be continuous or intermittent and can involve more central joints (spine, hips, shoulders), peripheral joints (elbows, wrists, knees, feet), or both. You can Read the full report here: https://ascopubs.org/doi/full/10.1200/OP.20.00113An interesting paper on AIs - Precautions for Patients Taking Aromatase Inhibitors
Published online 12 months ago .... well worth a read. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7848814/?fbclid=IwAR04ZJ9xKopWQUYtDosUz5Xl3Q0ynCsYMKOkkOI5tWgyj9LM7Bldx4i0Eg0 Below, a list of medications to be avoided on AIs (Letrozole & Exemestane mainly).... (also in the doc above, but here as a separate document.)💡 Curious about how AI is helping predict breast cancer risk?
If you’ve ever wondered what all this “AI” talk is about (and whether it’s more than just robots and buzzwords!), there’s an upcoming session you might enjoy. The VCCC Alliance is hosting an online event all about how AI is being used to improve breast cancer risk prediction. It’s designed for everyday people, no tech background needed, no fancy jargon required. Just bring your natural curiosity and perhaps a comfy chair and a cuppa. ☕ Tune in: 🗓 30 Mar 2026, 1.00–2.00pm AEDT 📍Online, register hereFOXA1 gene shows resistance to AIs .... genomic mutation
In September 3, 2020 a study published by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center indicates how genomic mutations in FOXA1 can cause cancer drug resistance to AIs. FOXA1 might be one to be added for Genomic testing here in Aus - no point being on AIs if the gene is resistant to it! https://www.mskcc.org/news/mutations-same-gene-create-different-paths-breast-cancer-drug-resistance?fbclid=IwAR0jIFetNV-6ulvLhDYnQNViwN3hoYsSdmgFQxt1MzTxaknVSHGlD_n7O_c Technically your tumour samples should be kept for some years - so they SHOULD be able to be sent for testing/Oncotyping ..... (my husband's first tumours from 2010 had genome sequencing done earlier this year, as well as those from the biopsies taken in Jan - to see if they were the same cancer & whether more modern treatments were available ....)Maybe try Starting AIs slowly 'over time' to see if the side effects aren't as savage?
I am now 71 and have been on AIs for 6 years, with varying side effects (specially on Letrozole when I first started.) I will completely stop taking them next year - but in the mean time, I am slowly 'weaning myself' off them just now .... (hehe, to be totally honest, I forget to take them most of the time! LOL) My theory is that if they started us off with one tablet a week for a month, then 2, then 3 (every other day), slowly getting up to 1 x daily - that the body should adjust to it better! I believe there could be merit in giving this a go. We really need to 'trial' this in a controlled way! MANY women stop taking them altogether (often without advising their Oncs) but then, if they get a recurrence, they'd have the 'What Ifs' and possibly never forgive themselves. It doesn't really matter WHICH AI you start off with - the body will still take a BIG HIT when you suddenly start taking them daily ..... (tho there ARE some lucky ladies who barely have ANY side effects ....) I was not one of them. I lasted 6 weeks on Letrozole, then lasted 6 months on Exemestane - and then went on to Anastrozole for the last 5 years which worked the best for me (with MUCH less aches & pains.) Yet others may START on Anastrozole & hate it as much as I hated Letrozole!! SO ....... IF you are having nasty side effects and it IS affecting your quality of life adversely - speak to your Onc about it. You DON'T have to put up with it, Have a break for a few months. Try a different one, like I did. It could make ALL THE DIFFERENCE. Also consider asking your Onc about Medicinal Cannabis Oil - I've been taking it for nearly 5 years now - and it HAS made a difference! There are many online Drs who will prescribe it, if your Onc won't. SO .... If you are about to start out on AIs any time soon - maybe mention 'starting them slowly' to your Onc ..... to see if your body tolerates them better, as in the long term, the longer you are on them, the better it is to reduce the chance of recurrence xx take care & best wishes
Anastrozole
hi, live been on Anastrozole since May 2017. I had hormone receptive BC, chemo, double mastectomy and oopherectomy (also BRACA2 ). I've been having a lot of side effects which I put down to Anastrozole: confusion, weight gain, lethargy, fractured ankle,joint pain and stiffness, as well as bouts of depression. I'm considering speaking to my oncologist about changing to Tamoxifen. I'm just wondering if anyone has had similar issues on Anastrozole and if you changed to Tamoxifen? Any advice would be appreciated.
