Breast Cancer Action Kingston

06/17/2026

Could more women with breast cancer safely avoid chemotherapy? New findings from the OPTIMA trial suggest the answer may be yes. It’s exciting news!

The OPTIMA trial, presented at ASCO, found that some women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer may achieve the same outcomes with hormone-blocking therapy alone, avoiding the side effects and long-term impacts of chemotherapy.

The international study followed more than 4,000 women and used a genomic test called Prosigna to examine the biology of each tumour and estimate the risk of recurrence.

For women identified as having a low genomic risk score, outcomes were nearly identical whether they received chemotherapy or not. Five years later, 94% remained alive and cancer-free without chemotherapy.

Many Canadians are familiar with Oncotype DX, but the OPTIMA trial highlights the potential of another genomic test, Prosigna, to help guide treatment decisions and identify additional women who may safely avoid chemotherapy.

What are genomic tests?

Genomic tests examine the activity of genes within a tumour to help predict the risk of recurrence and whether treatments such as chemotherapy are likely to provide benefit. They are helping make breast cancer treatment more personalized and reducing unnecessary treatment when it is safe to do so.

🔹 Oncotype DX examines 21 genes and estimates whether chemotherapy is likely to provide benefit.

🔹 Prosigna analyzes 50 genes, identifies the cancer's molecular subtype, and estimates recurrence risk. The OPTIMA trial suggests it may help identify additional women who can safely avoid chemotherapy.

🔹 MammaPrint evaluates 70 genes and classifies cancers as either low risk or high risk for recurrence.

These tests use different approaches, but they share the same goal: ensuring women receive the treatment they need while helping some safely avoid treatment they may not need.

The findings reflect an important shift toward more personalized breast cancer care, where treatment decisions are guided by the biology of an individual's cancer rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

Have you had genomic testing as part of your breast cancer treatment? When I was diagnosed I had to request Oncotype testing- it wasn't automatically offered to me. We'd love to hear about your experience. Did you have had to advocate for yourself? Were you able to avoid chemo? Please help us to inform others. Thank you.

06/14/2026

Well done Chestmates! Great way to start the season 👏🎉🎊

06/12/2026

"we encourage women not only to participate in recommended screening, but also to know what is normal for their breasts and to check them regularly."

Have you noticed that your family doctor may no longer perform a breast exam during your annual physical? You may also have heard that monthly breast self-exams are no longer routinely recommended. Instead, many healthcare organizations encourage women to be "breast aware."

Being breast aware means knowing what is normal for your breasts so you are more likely to notice changes and seek medical attention if something feels or looks different.

While breast awareness is important, we believe women should also be encouraged to regularly examine their own breasts. Our perspective is informed by what we know about mammogram accuracy and breast density. Mammograms are an important screening tool, but they are not perfect. In women with dense breasts, cancers are more likely to be missed on mammograms and are more likely to be diagnosed between routine screenings.

Even in women without dense breasts, mammograms can miss cancers. I know this firsthand.

Most of the women who have shared their stories on our website found their own breast cancer after noticing a change in their breasts. While self-exams can sometimes lead to anxiety, additional testing, and findings that are not cancer, we believe those concerns must be weighed against the consequences of a cancer being found later, when it is larger and more difficult to treat.

Early detection remains one of the most powerful tools we have against breast cancer. Despite advances in treatment, finding cancer early, when it is small and has not spread, offers the best chance for less aggressive treatment and better outcomes.

That is why we encourage women not only to participate in recommended screening, but also to know what is normal for their breasts and to check them regularly. Mammograms and self-exams are not competing strategies. They work together. We believe women should be encouraged to use every tool available to them, including regular self-exams, to help find breast cancer as early as possible. Check our Know Your Lemons for instructions on performing a breast exam.

06/09/2026

Share The Care Golf Tournament is made possible because of donors like you.

06/08/2026

Feeding our community through treatment.

When someone is going through breast cancer treatment, everyday tasks like cooking or grabbing a meal between appointments can feel overwhelming.

Through our Caring for Mothers and Families programming, Breast Cancer Action Kingston is expanding practical supports for members navigating treatment, recovery, work, and caregiving responsibilities.

Meal and grocery gift cards are available from Maya at the office. We are also gratefully accepting donations of unused meal or grocery gift cards, which can be dropped off.

These simple supports help members access food quickly and easily on difficult treatment days.

06/08/2026

Secure your tickets now through Breast Cancer Action Kingston! Simply scan the QR code below. Bring your friends and family out for a wonderful evening 💕

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

What a wild and exciting weekend.

05/31/2026

What a weekend!

05/28/2026