For many patients diagnosed with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, anastrozole is a cornerstone of treatment — and understanding its effects matters from day one. Anastrozole belongs to a class of drugs called aromatase inhibitors, which work by blocking the enzyme responsible for converting androgens into estrogen. Reducing estrogen levels helps slow or stop the growth […]

As CDK 4/6 inhibitors become more widely used in early-stage breast cancer, an important question remains: who truly benefits from these therapies? At the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS), researchers shared updates on how care teams can better personalize treatment decisions with new data. We asked UCLA Health breast oncologist Dr. Kelly McCann to […]

The 2025 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium (SABCS) delivered important updates on hormone therapies for breast cancer. One groundbreaking study explored a new oral pill for early-stage ER-positive breast cancer.  We asked UCLA Health’s Dr. Kelly McCann to explain the trial results and clarify what they could mean for you. Watch the full webinar The […]

There is no single “right” choice when deciding whether to have breast reconstruction or to go flat (choose flat closure). Whether you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer or are considered genetically high-risk and choose to have a mastectomy, the decision is deeply personal and can be emotional. While your care team can help you understand […]

If you’re a woman who’s navigating cancer treatment, it’s important to talk to your doctor about cancer therapies that can potentially contribute to the onset of menopause and prepare you for its side effects. Medically induced menopause is sometimes an unexpected side effect that needs more awareness and discussion. While all women go through menopause […]

If you’ve been diagnosed with early-stage breast cancer, your oncology care team may recommend a lumpectomy to remove the tumor and some of the surrounding tissue and lymph nodes. There are a few different types of lumpectomy procedures, so your experience and recovery time depend on various factors. It’s important to understand what you’ll be […]

Can acupuncture help with joint pain from aromatase inhibitors? We recently spoke with City of Hope’s Dr. Krisstina Gowin to discuss how different integrative therapies can help enhance quality of life for people with cancer. We addressed some of the common community questions on breast cancer treatment side effects, clinical trials, and supplements in this […]

How do you deal with medically induced menopause for breast cancer? A breast cancer diagnosis is a life-altering experience, especially if you are unaware of the lesser-known symptoms and treatment side effects. Up to 80% of breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive, which means the cancer cells grow as a response to hormones including estrogen and […]

Radiation therapy is a crucial component of the treatment plan for many breast cancer patients. By using high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation, it targets and kills any remaining cancer cells after surgery, significantly reducing the risk of cancer recurrence. Just like surgery and medical oncology decisions, radiation therapy comes with options too. Understanding […]

Being diagnosed with breast cancer and going through treatment can be an overwhelming experience, especially for younger, premenopausal women. The treatments can include an induction of early menopause, known as medical or treatment-induced menopause. This brings a whole new set of challenges with menopausal symptoms on top of dealing with the cancer itself. Here are […]

Breast cancer treatment is an experience that extends far beyond the physical realm, deeply affecting psychological well-being and sexual health. The emotional toll of a mastectomy, the profound changes wrought by chemotherapy, and the onset of medically induced menopause are challenges that demand resilience, informed understanding, and a strong support network. In recognition of World […]

Breast cancer treatment can bring about various changes in your body, some of which might be unexpected. Vaginal atrophy, characterized by the thinning, drying, and irritation of vaginal walls, is one such challenge that you may face. This condition, while common with aging, is not just a postmenopausal issue for breast cancer survivors and can […]