The CHEK2 gene mutation is a genetic abnormality that can increase your risk of developing breast cancer. We spoke with Cancer Geneticist Associate Professor Judy Kirk about this genetic abnormality, why testing for the gene is not common, and what preventative measures can be taken for those who have the mutation.
It can be hard to know what to say or do when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer. It can be a very traumatic experience, so we spoke with clinical psychologist and Cancer Council SA Senior Research Fellow Lisa Beatty about how you can best support someone close to you during their diagnosis.
If you have had a mastectomy, either because you've been diagnosed with breast cancer or are at high risk of developing breast cancer, you may decide to have a breast reconstruction. This is a very personal decision to make and it's best to know all your options before choosing what is best for you. We spoke with a specialist breast surgeon at Belfast City Hospital, Ireland, Dr Stuart McIntosh about these options, what you need to consider before making a decision and what are the best questions...
Cousins Raylee and Lisa are the first Australian participants in the ground-breaking BRCA-P clinical trial. The BRCA-P trial is a prevention trial which is testing the effectiveness of a drug called Denosumab in preventing breast cancer in women with a BRCA1 gene mutation, like Lisa and Raylee. This treatment has been fast-tracked from the lab to a stage three clinical trial due to its impressive pre-clinical results. Listen in as Lisa and Raylee tell us what it's like to know you have a 70% ris...
We speak with exercise scientist and behavioural epidemiologist at the University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI), Professor Erica James, about the benefit of exercise for the prevention of breast cancer, how lifestyle changes can help to reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence, and the best ways to get active after a diagnosis.
Breast Cancer Trials researcher Dr Ross Jennens is a Medical Oncologist at Epworth Hospital in Melbourne and one of 4,000 Australian health professionals participating in the BRACE clinical trial. This study aims to test the BCG vaccine, which was developed to prevent tuberculosis and is commonly used as a treatment for people with bladder cancer, to see if it can provide an immune system boost to protect people from COVID-19 symptoms.
Professor Fran Boyle and Associate Professor Nicholas Wilcken discuss how their institutions and teams have responded to the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss how some changes have been positive, how their patients have reacted to this new environment, and give a Breast Cancer Trials research update.
Cancer Geneticist Associate Professor Judy Kirk explains the role of genetics in breast cancer research and how this information will help inform future treatments.
Early breast cancer refers to cancer that is confined to the breast or the axillary (armpit) lymph nodes. It's a research focus for Dr Stuart McIntosh who explains what the standard treatment is for early breast cancer, what clinical trials are currently investigating early breast cancer treatments, and how treatments differ to those used for advanced breast cancer.
Hormone-sensitive breast tumors make up around 70% of all breast cancers. Associate Professor Aleix Prat explains what research is being conducted into this metastatic disease and how before we can find a cure, researchers are working in the short term to find a way to make it a chronic disease.
Sydney-based advocate and politician Dai Le speaks with us about the impact her diagnosis has had on her life, how she explained her diagnosis to her son, and the importance of spreading breast cancer awareness in non-English speaking communities.
Women who carry BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations have a high risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. Associate Professor Judy Kirk explains what the BRCA mutation is and what measures women with the mutation can take to protect themselves.
Michelle and Maxine are both participants in the Breast Cancer Trials CHARIOT clinical trial. They are receiving the same treatment, at the same hospital and have formed a friendship through their shared experience. They discuss their experience on the trial and how helpful it has been to have a friend by their side.
Clinical Psychologist Dr Lisa Beatty explains the impact of a breast cancer diagnosis on your mental health, and how you can get help.
Heidi started getting mammograms at 42 after a close friend was diagnosed in her early 40s. She was thankful she did, after she was diagnosed with breast cancer at 43. Heidi speaks with us about being diagnosed as a young woman with a young family, having to put your career on hold and not being afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Professor Julia White explains how de-escalation is about 'right-sizing' treatments for patients. She explains how we can find out who needs more or less surgery as part of their breast cancer treatment.
After being diagnosed with breast cancer, Sarah's oncologist told her to walk around the block to keep fit during treatment. Sarah took this a step further and skipped the drive into her second chemotherapy treatment and instead ran to the hospital. It sparked a love of running and Sarah continued running throughout her whole treatment, even running 12km in the week before her last chemotherapy treatment. Sarah is a supporter of Breast Cancer Trials, and we spoke with her about her breast cancer...
Patients with breast cancer have higher rates of cardiovascular disease. Professor Bogda Koczwara explains the reasons behind ones increased risks, and what patients and doctors should be aware of, to protect heart health.
Malea Parker was diagnosed with breast cancer earlier this year. She speaks with us about how her family support has been essential during treatment and why she believes breast cancer clinical trials research is so important.
Associate Professor Aleix Prat discusses how continuing research into breast cancer biology is helping improve treatments and how tumour biopsies can help patients in the future.
Professor Wayne Tilley explains what the androgen receptor gene is and why it is important in breast cancer.
Rebecca was diagnosed at 33 years old when her son was just 11 months old. She found a lump one day but assumed it was related to mastitis from breastfeeding and was shocked to find out it was cancer. Rebecca discusses what it's like to be diagnosed as a young woman and how grateful she is for breast cancer research.
Clinical Psychologist Dr Lisa Beatty explains what online help is available & what the benefits are of using psychological breast cancer online tools.
Understanding Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer with Associate Professor Judy Kirk. Genetic testing helps estimate your chance of developing ovarian or breast cancer by identifying specific changes in your genes. But who should get tested for breast cancer? What does a strong family history mean? And how does the process work? In this episode, we sit down with Associate Professor Judy Kirk from the Familial Cancer Service at Westmead Hospital to discuss: The role of genetic testing for breast ca...
Gowri Sivalingam was diagnosed in 2015 with invasive ductal carcinoma after finding a lump in her breast on Christmas day. She spoke with us about being diagnosed with breast cancer as a young woman and a doctor, working throughout treatment, and participating in a clinical trial.
Breast Surgeon at Belfast City Hospital, Dr Stuart McIntosh, discusses clinical trials that are currently open in the UK and explains his hope for these trials to open across Australia and New Zealand.
Radiation therapy uses doses of radiation to kill cancer cells & shrink tumors. In this Breast Cancer Trials Podcast, Professor Julia White explains why it is an important part of breast cancer treatment.
Marie Pandeloglou was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer four and a half years after her early breast cancer diagnosis. She shares what it is like to live with metastatic disease, what she wants people to know about metastatic breast cancer, and her advice for those living with breast cancer.
One of the best ways to diagnose breast cancer early, aid in treatment decisions, or predict treatment response is to use cancer biomarkers. HER2-positive early breast cancer molecular biomarkers are a key research area for Associate Professor Aleix Prat. He explains that investigating HER2-positive early breast cancer is important as it can become an aggressive disease if left untreated. Find out more in this episode.
Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) surveyed 2,000 of its members who have received a breast cancer diagnosis about the out-of-pocket costs of their breast cancer treatment and care, and other associated costs faced in the first five years after a breast cancer diagnosis. We sat down with BCNA's CEO Kirsten Pilatti to find out more about their findings.
