Tools, treatments and research combine to boost breast cancer outcomes

Breast cancer news from the Allina Health Cancer Institute is decidedly upbeat, as better tools, expanded treatment and clinical research are improving results for many patients.

“Outside of metastatic disease, very few people die from breast cancer in comparison to the number getting diagnosed,” said Daniel Carlson, DO, breast medical oncologist and clinical investigator at Allina Health Cancer Institute.

“Survival is very good, especially if we catch it early in stage 0 to 2,” added Yuliya Olimpiadi, MD, breast surgical oncologist at the institute.

By the numbers: Despite breast cancer deaths decreasing steadily since 1989, it remains the second leading cause of cancer death in women, according to the American Cancer Society. Statistics show:

• 1 in 8 women will deal with breast cancer in their lifetime.
• More than 310,000 new cases are reported annually.
• More than 42,000 women die from breast cancer each year.

Breast cancer doctors say regular screening is key to reducing these numbers.

Watch Dr. Olimpiadi discuss breast cancer screening.

Improved screening tools are helping to catch breast cancer earlier

Breast cancer is among the cancers being detected in younger patients, and screening guidelines have changed in recent years.

Annual mammograms are recommended for women at higher risk, including breast cancer survivors. Recommendations for other women vary, based on the organization offering them.

For women with average risk, a mammogram every other year is recommended by the U.S. Preventive Task Force. However, the American Society of Breast Surgeons recommends annual mammograms starting at age 40 and continuing while a patient remains healthy.

“Women should discuss with their doctor what screening schedule works best for them based on their goals and health,” Dr. Olimpiadi said.

Drs. Olimpiadi and Carlson add that screenings are better than ever, thanks to technology like 3D mammography — which is an especially beneficial tool for women who have dense breast tissue.

Worth noting: The Food and Drug Administration now requires mammography facilities to inform patients of their breast density in reports.

Watch Dr. Olimpiadi discuss 3D mammography. 

Immunotherapy is drastically improving some breast cancer outcomes

Dr. Carlson says some of the biggest recent strides have come with immunotherapy. He describes it as “an enormous leap forward” in treating some of the most aggressive cancers — including triple-negative breast cancer.

The treatment can be highly effective and less toxic, which Dr. Carlson says is crucial for patients who may not be able to fight through chemotherapy due to weakness or other health issues.

“Immunotherapy basically trains your immune system to go after the cancer and fight it off,” Dr. Carlson said. “Plus, it cuts down on side effects tremendously.”

More on triple-negative breast cancer: It accounts for about 10-15% of all breast cancers and tends to grow and spread faster than others. Triple-negative disease can be more common in younger women, Black women or women who have a BRCA1 mutation.

Dr. Carlson says the Allina Health Cancer Institute has several clinical trials investigating immunotherapy as a treatment for triple-negative breast cancer. Additional trials using immunotherapy for other breast cancers are also underway.

Watch Dr. Carlson discuss immunotherapy. 

Research is revealing additional ways to protect against and fight cancer

The most empowering news may be research that indicates, in some cases, that a breast cancer patient can improve their treatment by making healthy lifestyle changes after diagnosis and during treatment.

Dr. Carlson says there’s quite a bit of data now available about the power of a plant-based diet for people in cancer treatment. Additionally, several studies have shown the ability to fight off cancer improves in people who exercise regularly and get high-quality sleep.

“I tell patients not to allow great to be the enemy of good,” Dr. Carlson said. “Making small, incremental changes is likely beneficial.”

Watch Dr. Carlson discuss healthy living as protection against cancer.

What’s on the horizon?

Drs. Olimpiadi and Carlson say there are more improvements ahead. They point to several things to watch:

• artificial intelligence to improve readings of specimens and image
• personalization of treatment based on the biology of specific breast cancers
• robotic surgery that makes procedures less invasive and leaves smaller scars
• apps that help patients take more control of their treatment, like the Cancer Connection App.

Visit the Allina Health Cancer Institute website for more on these topics and others.