Breast Cancer Awareness Month is here, a time to raise awareness, advocate for research, and recognize the progress that’s being made in care. From groundbreaking drug approvals to encouraging clinical study results, here are some recent exciting advances every patient and survivor should know about.

1) Just one session of exercise boosts anti-cancer proteins in breast cancer survivors

A study found that just one session of either resistance training or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can increase levels of certain proteins in the blood that help fight cancer. These proteins play a role in reducing cancer cell growth. In laboratory tests, blood samples from breast cancer survivors who exercised showed a decrease in the growth of cancer cells. This discovery emphasizes how lifestyle factors, like exercise, can help reduce the risk of cancer recurrence.

2) New hope for patients with ER-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer 

The FDA recently approved imlunestrant for patients diagnosed with ER-positive (ER+), HER2-negative (HER2-), ESR1-mutated advanced breast cancer whose disease has worsened after hormone therapy. Up to 50% of patients with ER+, HER2- metastatic breast cancer develop an ESR1 mutation after an aromatase inhibitor. This approval offers a new, personalized treatment option for patients when other hormone therapies stop working. 

3) Potential new first-line treatment for patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer

The FDA is reviewing a new combination treatment for HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer: Enhertu plus pertuzumab. If approved, this could become a first-line treatment for people with this type of breast cancer. Early trial results show the combination may slow cancer growth more effectively than the current standard therapy. This is monumental because it could give patients a new, more powerful treatment option right at the start of therapy. A final FDA decision is expected in January 2026.

4) Data shows breastfeeding can be safe for new moms

Recent research shows that women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer can safely breastfeed after taking a planned break from hormone therapy. In the study, women who breastfed for about four months didn’t have an increased risk of cancer coming back compared to those who didn’t breastfeed. This is encouraging news for new mothers who want to breastfeed while managing their breast cancer treatment with careful planning and guidance from their care team.

5) Integrating exercise into cancer care helps improve quality of life

A new exercise program examined the impact of exercise and rehab for breast cancer patients by seamlessly incorporating it into their care. Participants who completed the program said the support helped them stay strong, maintain function, and stay active throughout their treatment. This is exciting because it shows that by making exercise accessible and safe as a part of cancer care, patients can feel better and have a better quality of life throughout treatment.

6) AI may help radiologists detect breast cancer sooner

A recent study shows that artificial intelligence (AI) can help detect breast cancers earlier, spotting about one-third of interval cancers missed on initial mammograms. AI also accurately identified most cancers and non-cancer cases on screening exams. Earlier detection could improve outcomes. While more studies are needed, these findings highlight AI’s potential to support radiologists and catch cancers sooner.

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