Why Doesn't Bloodwork Show Breast Cancer Progress?

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RB

Community Member

a year ago

Hi my name is Jean this is my 2nd time around with Breast I have the Braca1 Gene I have been put on the Cancer pill Letrizole my question is that I was told that doing bloodwork it doesn't show anything that that pertain to the progress or decrease of the Cancer WHY IS THIS?

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Blood tests typically don't track breast cancer progress because most breast cancers don't release detectable markers into the bloodstream that doctors can reliably measure. Instead, imaging scans like CT scans, MRIs, or mammograms are usually the main tools used to monitor how treatment is working, along with physical exams and sometimes tissue biopsies. This can feel frustrating when bloodwork seems like it should show everything, but these other monitoring methods give doctors a much clearer picture of what's happening with the cancer and how well treatments are responding.

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MR

Community Member

6 months ago

Have they done a breast cancer index? Did they ever did a oncotype DX or a mammaprint?

RB

Community Member

6 months ago

Yes they did the oncotype DX

MR

Community Member

6 months ago

I found this: Blood tests that you might be able to ask your doctor. CA 15-3, circulating tumor DNA ( ctDNA). You can find more information if you visit : BreastCancer.org. You can google blood test that can identify progress or decrease of breast cancer. You will find the names of the tests. We have to keep advocating for ourselves, never take a no for an answer. Good luck!!!

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MR

Community Member

6 months ago

There is a lot out there!

CA

Community Member

2 months ago

Blood tests typically don't track breast cancer progress because most breast cancers don't release detectable markers into the bloodstream that doctors can reliably measure. Instead, imaging scans like CT scans, MRIs, or mammograms are usually the main tools used to monitor how treatment is working, along with physical exams and sometimes tissue biopsies. This can feel frustrating when bloodwork seems like it should show everything, but these other monitoring methods give doctors a much clearer picture of what's happening with the cancer and how well treatments are responding.

Why Doesn't Bloodwork Show Breast Cancer Progress?

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