Surviving and Thriving After Breast Cancer
At New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (NYCBS), we understand the impact breast cancer can have on a woman's life, including her dreams of fertility and family planning. For many women, motherhood is an essential part of their life journey, and a breast cancer diagnosis can disrupt these deeply meaningful aspirations. Among women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, concerns about becoming pregnant and thereby increasing the risk of breast cancer recurrence can greatly affect decisions about family planning.
The POSITIVE (Pregnancy Outcome and Safety of Interrupting Therapy for Women with Endocrine Responsive Breast Cancer) trial, published in the New England Journal, focuses on important quality-of-life issues that affect women who are survivors of breast cancer. The trial specifically centered around women aged 42 or younger, who had been diagnosed with Stage I-III cancer, received endocrine therapy (tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitor) for a minimum of 18 months after surgery, undergone fertility preservation or not, and had no clinical evidence of disease recurrence.
“Not only can women conquer their disease, but they can thrive and succeed in all aspects of their personal life,” said Dr. Yelda Nouri, an oncologist and breast specialist at New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (NYCBS).
The POSITIVE trial concluded that temporary interruption of endocrine therapy to attempt pregnancy did not lead to an increased risk of breast cancer recurrence compared to an external control group.
Dr. Nouri advises, "While longer follow-up is needed, this is certainly a positively motivating step in the right direction for many women!"
NYCBS is committed to providing comprehensive care and support to our patients. Our team of breast specialists offers a wide range of services, including surgical and medical oncology, advanced breast imaging, genetic testing, nutritional guidance, psychosocial support, and survivorship services.
To schedule an appointment or learn more about our breast cancer and screening services, please call 1-833-CANCER9.