For more than four decades, October has been recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Launched by former First Lady Betty Ford, a breast cancer survivor, this educational campaign initially focused on early detection of breast cancer through regular mammograms. But over time, the purpose has grown to acknowledge advancements in breast cancer treatment, promising research, as well as recognize those impacted by the disease.
Recognizing Those Impacted by Breast Cancer
This year, there are expected to be over 313,000 new diagnoses of breast cancer in the U.S., according to the American Cancer Society. Approximately 1 in 8 individuals have a lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, which can be influenced by lifestyle factors and genetics. As many as 10% of cases are due to genetic factors, such as an inherited mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 or a family history of breast cancer and/or other cancers.
Despite the rising incidence of breast cancer, there is good news: survival rates have significantly improved. When breast cancer is confined to the breast, the 5-year survival rate with treatment is an impressive 99%. Even when local lymph nodes are involved, the 5-year survival rate remains high at 86%. Currently, there are more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S., which is a testament to the effectiveness of awareness campaigns and screening programs as well as improved treatments and cancer care delivery.
Acknowledging Advancements in Breast Cancer Treatment
Cancer Detection and Treatment is Better Than Ever, Largely Due to Precision Medicine
The landscape of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment has evolved rapidly over the past several years, with the focus now being on careful identification of the specific subtype of breast cancer and a very intentional, tailored approach to treating that cancer, in that unique person, as precisely as possible. Precision oncology is anything but ‘one size fits all,’ and with tremendous advancements in diagnostic technology to improve breast imaging, clinical and genomic risk stratification, and tumor molecular profiling (e.g., with next-generation sequencing, which looks at changes in tumor DNA), a better understanding of an individual’s disease is gained that then enables thoughtful selection of the most appropriate targeted therapies and clinical trials, when applicable. The person’s own inherited genetics (called germline DNA) and other factors are also taken into consideration to inform how effective a treatment may or may not be.
It is important to recognize that while the pillars of localized breast cancer treatment remain—generally including a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, anti-hormone (endocrine) therapy, chemotherapy, and/or HER2-directed therapy—taking a precision medicine approach has helped achieve significantly improved outcomes for those facing advanced breast cancer and remains integral as oncology researchers and clinicians strive to do even better for those with a breast cancer diagnosis at any stage.
Promising Breast Cancer Research: What's on the horizon?
The future holds great promise for continued improvements in breast cancer prevention, early detection, and management. Researchers and clinicians are working tirelessly to hone and develop new technologies, novel therapies, and different combinations and sequencing of therapies that will improve the way breast cancer is diagnosed and treated—optimizing survival and improving life for those affected. Even de-escalation of therapy is being explored in clinical trials, with a view to maximizing efficacy but not over-treating, to achieve both cancer control and quality of life for the person being treated.
As we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we are inspired by the progress made and are bolstered by the hope that lies ahead. Staying informed and supporting ongoing research and collaboration connects each of us to the mission to better breast cancer outcomes and the journey for all who are touched by this disease.
About the Author
Debra Wong, M.D. - Vice President, Development and Integration, Clinical Strategy and Medical Director for AccessHope, and Assistant Professor in the Department of Medical Oncology and Therapeutics Research at City of Hope
Dr. Wong is a board-certified medical oncologist and a Medical Director at AccessHope, where she holds dual roles in teleoncology for local oncologists and their patients, and organizational strategy development. She maintains broad expertise in solid tumor oncology and advocates for integrating supportive care and quality-of-life measures into precision oncology care. For her humanity and whole-person approach, she has earned recognition among peers and patients alike.