“Pack The Place In Pink” delivers “pink hugs”
PNKBZN promotes breast cancer tests and screenings
‘Let people know you love them’
Game changing support group
Effects on the Immune System and more, see inside!
ADVERTISING DIRECTOR:
DESIGNER: Katelyn Goins
By Abby Weingarten
For women and men throughout Montana who are living with breast cancer, a little support – from a “pink hug” to a “pink football game” – goes a long way.
This is the goal of Pack the Place in Pink (PPP) – a not-forprofit foundation that was launched in 2007 and now supports hundreds of cancer patients statewide.
The mission began when Vicki Carle, the head volleyball coach for the Billings Skyview High School team, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003 and the Montana community mobilized in solidarity.
“What began in 2007 with volleyball players wearing pink for awareness has grown into a statewide movement,” PPP organizers said. “Since becoming a nonprofit in 2013, we’ve provided financial ‘pink hugs’ to support breast cancer patients across Montana, showing them they are not alone.”
“Pink hugs,” or donations to the organization, bring relief to families affected by breast cancer, helping to ease their monetary burdens during difficult times. Volunteers for the “hug” effort are encouraged to “become part of a passionate community dedicated to spreading hope and positivity,” PPP organizers said, “and bring comfort, strength, and a sense of solidarity to those fighting breast cancer.”
In addition to giving out “pink hugs,” PPP organizers and volunteers work with Montana high school volleyball, football, basketball, and soccer teams to host awareness events in October.
Funds for the organization are raised through sponsorships and T-shirt sales, which have generated more than $900,000 for 865plus women and men in Montana to date. A total of 95% of PPP’s
net proceeds go directly to breast cancer patients (the other 5% is used for supplies, insurance, stamps, accounting, and miscellaneous expenses).
Charity events for PPP –from 5K walks to 10K runs – are also held regularly, like the upcoming Bobcat Homecoming Parade, with its PPP float, on October 5; and the Pack the Mall in Pink event at Rimrock Mall on October 12.
For more information on Pack the Place in Pink, visit packtheplaceinpink. org.
By Abby Weingarten
Awareness is the first step toward early intervention and potential healing for women and men affected by breast cancer, and no one knows this better than the volunteers at PNKBZN.
Short for Pink Bozeman, this community-wide campaign brings important medical information to Montanans every October, encouraging people to be proactive about their health by getting tests, undergoing screenings, and participating in annual mammograms.
“Early detection matters. As easy as it could be to ignore what could happen, having a mastectomy gave me peace of mind that I can take control of my health – something words cannot express,” said Megan, a breast cancer survivor who was diagnosed in 2021 and underwent a prophylactic (preventative) double mastectomy and implant breast reconstruction after early detection. “This is something to be grateful for each and every day.”
PNKBZN volunteers and organizers often share inspirational stories about breast cancer survivors like Megan. They also alert the public to important facts about the community; for example, in the greater Gallatin Valley in 2018, about one-quarter of breast cancers were diagnosed in women younger than 50.
To continue spreading this message, Downtown Bozeman – in partnership with PNKBZN – will turn “PNK” for the entire month of October. Pink banners will line Main Street, and decorations will adorn the windows of many of the area’s retailers and restaurants.
support from PRIME Incorporated).
Campaigns like PNKBZN help save lives and promote solidarity statewide.
In the words of one survivor, Jenny: “Cancer made me appreciate my family, friends, and community, and the support I received from them was humbling.”
For more information on PNKBZN, visit pinkbozeman.com.
The entire PNKBZN educational campaign is the combined effort of numerous Bozeman organizations: Advanced Medical Imaging, Bozeman Health, Cancer Support Community Montana, the Downtown Bozeman Partnership, Montana State University, and Montana State University Athletics (with graphic design
By Sean Batura Belgrade News
By the time Mary Ann Perkins received her breast cancer diagnosis, she had long been vigilant for signs of the disease, as her type of dense breast tissue is at higher risk, and she has an extensive family history of cancer.
Six years before Perkins’ diagnosis, her brother learned he had lung cancer. He succumbed after a nine-and-a-half-year battle. Other family members who had cancer included her parents, maternal grandmother, cousins, aunts, and uncles. Her sister received a breast cancer diagnosis 17 years ago and is currently undergoing treatment again.
“My oncologist at the time said she hadn’t seen such a strong family history as what I described,” said Perkins, who lives in Bozeman.
Perkins moved to Bozeman with her husband about a year ago, although the couple had homes in Bozeman and Cody WY for 8 years. She began receiving care at Bozeman Health.
“When I moved here, I got established with an excellent doctor who introduced me to an oncologist,” Perkins said. “I did not have symptoms, but my internal medicine person knew of my family history and knew I was careful and conscientious, so the first visit with the oncologist was not to get a diagnosis, it was preventative in nature. I was happy they would offer that. I had a genetic test, which is very good to do. The tests are even better today. I’m thankful my internal medical doctor took the initiative. By the time I had my annual mammogram and MRI, they found a lump.”
When she was diagnosed six years ago, Perkins’ cancer was at stage 1 and therefore much more treatable than it would have been if she had waited for symptoms or hadn’t been having regular checkups in a hospital with the latest techniques and equipment not to mention good doctors.
“I don’t know that I was shocked, but it was a
big adjustment,” she recalled of receiving the diagnosis.
Perkins immediately had surgery to remove a tumor, then had radiation therapy before beginning a hormone treatment plan. She’s now on a semi-annual scan routine that includes mammograms, MRIs, and ultrasounds.
“Probably most people would tell you it’s a wake-up call,” Perkins said.
She focused more on her health, then found herself strengthening her bonds with other people.
“And then you get a sense of calm -- ‘I can do this, and I can prepare, and I can be grateful, and I’m going to live a good life,’” she said.
Although she’s healthy, Perkins treats her body as though the cancer is still there in some form. It’s not a morbid attitude for her, but a way of making sure she stays on top of her health.
“I don’t say cancer-free,” Perkins said. “It’s not because somebody told me I couldn’t say it, but I would say that I think I’m not in remission. I am being treated for a low-grade cancer diagnosis. I believe once cancer gets in the body, it’s pretty hard for it really to be gone, but I don’t have any research to back that up. I’m grateful for everything I have to keep my cancer from spreading.”
To schedule your appointment, call (406) 898-1700
or underinsured
Mammograms (age 35-50)*
Gynecologic Exam (age 18-50)* (Pap Smear & Breast Exam)
Blood Screening
(12-hour fast before appointment, water only)
*If you are 50 and older, please contact the Montana Breast and Cervical Health Program at 1-888-803-9343 for free or low-cost screenings. If you do not qualify, then we may be able to assist you.
Call 406-640-4881 or 1-800-332-7156 and ask for the Women's Wellness Program for a quick, easy phone application. No forms required.
Bozeman resident Mary Ann Perkins was diagnosed with breast cancer six years ago but caught the disease very early, having been vigilant with preventive doctor’s visits due to a family history of cancer. She’s not actively battling cancer but she’s vigilant about her diet, sleep and exercise.
One small lifestyle change Perkins made at her doctor’s behest was to avoid all alcohol consumption. The degree to which her doctor considers even small amounts of alcohol unhealthy is evidenced by the fact that Perkins had only been drinking socially, and then only seldom when other people would be having wine with dinner – perhaps one to three times per month, she said.
“My oncologist just said, ‘You need to think about stopping,’” Perkins recalled. “I didn’t push back.”
Bigger changes involved the addition of more fruit and vegetables to her diet, staying away from processed sugar, high fat foods, and getting much more exercise. She also pays attention to her sleep patterns. Pool exercise classes for cancer survivors twice weekly at Eagle Mount Bozeman and videoconference exercise classes have been crucial for her recovery, Perkins indicated.
“I wasn’t good at exercising before, but I got really good really quick,” she said. “I could tell from the Cancer Support Community and the range of programs they offered that it was important. It needs to be a variety of things [exercises] during the week, and everything they offer has a little different value, and yet it all fits together. I became religious about exercise.”
Cancer Support Community Bozeman provides all those inperson or zoom exercise classes – including those at Eagle Mount – for free to cancer survivors, Perkins said.
“I do yoga, I do strength training, sometimes I do Tai Chi. I also took classes in nutrition, cooking, meditation and breathing, creative writing, and mindfulness,” Perkins said.
She also walks (wearing a weighted vest) for about an hour five times a week on some trails near her home, she said.
Without Cancer Support Community Bozeman, Perkins might not be as healthy as she is – or it would be much harder, she indicated. Having no-cost exercise classes that include workout coaches who pay attention to the individual needs of cancer survivors has been invaluable, she said. She therefore
makes it a point to donate to the organization.
“I can’t tell you how grateful I am for what they’ve done for me,” Perkins said. “My husband and I choose to make an annual donation, but we do not have to.”
Perkins said she’s also grateful for the support from her husband, who has also made positive lifestyle changes inspired by her example. The couple have no children, but Perkins has support from Cancer Support Community and from fellow cancer survivors. While she was undergoing radiation treatment, Perkins met other cancer patients with whom she still stays in touch.
“The bond is special, because you don’t have to explain anything,” Perkins said. “You don’t have to know the whole history, just that somebody is doing the best they can just like I am.”
She sees them in the doctor’s office, drug store, on the trail, and at Costco. They don’t know one another well, but they’re still “cancer sisters” or “cancer pals,” and they feel comfortable checking in on one another, Perkins said.
“Nobody likes going through this, and you don’t like to do it alone,” Perkins said. “I have so much respect for young adults with families and who are dealing with cancer. They’re special people for sure.”
Perkins said the experience of dealing with cancer has made her appreciate the people in her life more.
“Let people know you love them,” she said.
By Sean Batura Belgrade News
A cancer diagnosis can be life-changing in more ways than one. In addition to the resultant emotional and physical tolls, financial stressors can be significant. The amelioration of these hardships has been the mission of Cancer Support Community, a nonprofit with an office in downtown Bozeman.
In the late 1990s, Arlene Wylie was diagnosed with breast cancer in Bozeman. At that time, there were no good resources for newly diagnosed cancer patients, she said.
“I remember attending one unfacilitated support group which did actually more harm than good, because they just talked about negative stuff,” she said in a video released by Cancer Support Community in 2021. “I realized that something was needed in Bozeman. And a dear friend of mine, Darlene Falk, and I embarked on a journey to bring the Wellness Community, now
called the Cancer Support Community, to our town.”
The group started in 2004 as an all-volunteer organization and held meetings informally in the office of Wylie’s husband. In 2006, the group hired its first employee, Becky Franks, who served as CEO for 18 years before stepping down June 1 and assuming the part-time, contracted role of special projects manager. The new CEO is Chris Darnell.
“He’s doing great,” Franks said. “We’ve had just a seamless transition, it worked really well. We wanted to maintain trust in the community and across the state for both donors and participants, and we’ve been able to successfully do that, which is fantastic.”
In 2007, the group joined a national organization, Cancer Support Community, and became part of that national network as Cancer Support Community Montana. The nonprofit acquired a mortgage-free building in downtown Bozeman in 2009 and moved into that space in 2010.
The organization provides the services of social workers, cancer support navigators, and various events and programs – 60
per month – most of which can be accessed online to anyone living in Montana, Franks said.
“It’s a lifeline, it’s an absolute game changer for anybody dealing with cancer in their lives – for both the patient and the family, the kids,” Franks said. “We’ve got kid programs and caregiver programs, education and support groups.”
The CSC began a chapter in Missoula in 2022 and now offers 14 resource centers throughout the state. The organization is unique in this part of the country, according to Franks. The closest CSC to the east is in Minneapolis; and to the west, San Francisco.
“We’re still the only one in the northwest part of the country,” she said.
There are 42 Cancer Support Community groups in the U.S. and one each in Canada, Israel, Iraq, and Japan.
“So Montana’s extremely fortunate,” Franks said. “Our resource centers and partners have formal relationships with critical access hospitals and the Rocky Boy Health Center as a way to get our services out to people who live in frontier communities and rural communities, and that is an extremely unique system that we developed, and really, again, a lifeline for people who really need even more additional help finding their way when they have cancer.”
All people affected by cancer can access an online calendar listing the virtual programs of CSC as well as some in-person programs that may be offered in each community. The listing is at https://cscmt.gnosishosting.net/Events/Calendar.
“Some of the most popular are nutrition, cooking, and fitness, and then of course support groups and counseling that can be expensive, especially if you’re uninsured or underinsured,” said Jasmine Surina, development director for Cancer Support Community Bozeman. “We do a lot of cooking classes, and then also just some nutrient education groups.”
Exercise classes are held in-person and over the internet, with coaches who tailor their instruction to the needs of each participant. The Bozeman group recently painted a pickleball
court in its parking lot to enable Pickleball Friday events, Franks said.
A recent nutrition class was held to clear up misconceptions about sugar and cancer, and an upcoming class will debunk myths about the relationship between soy and breast cancer, Surina said.
During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, CSC Bozeman will hold several events to raise awareness of the disease and funds to help support cancer patients – events such as a Pink Promenade down Main Street, trivia night, Mo’ Bowls donation weekend, and a donation collaboration day held by Mo’ Bowls and Outlaw Brewing.
“It’s fun and great way to support the organization and people impacted by cancer in our community,” Franks said. The types of programs offered around the state include:
· Mind/Body - Designed to enhance self-awareness of the mind and body, promote relaxation, self-care, and overall well-being.
· Education Pathways - Through research at the Cancer Support Community Headquarters Research and Training Institute, needs assessments, and current best practices, CSC Montana creates an education plan to serve cancer survivors and their loved ones.
· Emotional Support – CSC offers emotional support through support groups, informal connection groups, and individual short-term counseling – all offered free of charge. Support groups provide an opportunity for people with shared experiences to connect, share resources, and develop healthy coping strategies.
· Youth & Families - The first place cancer metastasis is to the family. Youth are affected by having cancer themselves, as well as when a close friend or family member has a cancer diagnosis. Our Youth and Family programs are intended to provide a place of support and sense of community for the whole family.
· Healthy Lifestyles - Exercise and nutrition is important physical and mental health. CSC Montana offers healthy lifestyle classes to meet the unique needs of cancer survivors. All exercise classes are taught by professionals that offer accommodations and alterations to meet the individual needs of each cancer survivor in the class.
· Retreats - Provides retreats that focus on education, restoration, and connection. All CSC Montana retreats are provided for Montanans and their families free of charge.
· Cancer Transitions - A series that addresses all aspects of cancer survivorship: emotional well-being, nutrition and fitness, medical management, and navigating relationships.
· Frankly Speaking - An education series that takes you on a journey through topics that inform and inspire people with cancer
Support Community Montana serves everyone, at any stage of their cancer journey.
Programs for family members, friends, partners, and caregivers help you find improved quality of
All programs are offered free-of-charge.
All services are offered free of charge. The nonprofit operates on donations, which are only used to support programming in Montana. Donations can be gifted at https:// cancersupportmontana.org/donating/. Although the Oct. 18 fundraising gala at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds is sold out, people can participate in the associated silent auction online. The organization can be followed at https://cancersupportmontana.org/, https://www.instagram.com/cancersupportcommunitybozeman/, and https://www.facebook.com/cancersupportbozeman
Pickleball Club games are held at 10 a.m. every Friday during warmer months at CSC’s headquarters, 102 S. 11th Avenue. Sept. 27 was the last event this year.
Andrea@AndreaJonesInsurance.com www.AndreaJonesInsurance.com
Cancer Support Community Montana (CSCMT) is thrilled to announce the return of PNKBZN this October. PNKBZN is a Breast Cancer Awareness Month Campaign for Cancer Support Community Montana. During PNKBZN, dozens of businesses around the valley get involved through their own creative promotions with proceeds being gifted to Cancer Support Community Montana.
“We are so excited for all the fun collaborations and events we have scheduled for this October” said Cassidy Catron, Development Coordinator of Cancer Support Community. “PNKBZN not only brings awareness to Breast Cancer, but it helps us raise funds to support all of our participants, regardless of cancer type.”
Funds raised during PNKBZN and Pink Montana help Cancer Support Community Montana continue providing free programming to Montanans impacted by cancer. To kick off the month, there will be a Pink Promenade on October 3rd, starting at 4:00 PM at The Lark downtown and ending with trivia at Bozeman Spirits Distillery at 6:00 PM. A few of the highlighted events include a Dine to Donate Night with Texas Roadhouse on October 8th, and a Sunday Fund-Day at Bozeman Brewing Co. on October 20th. In addition, some of the month-long promotions will include 100% of sales from the Pink Meringue at Wild Crumb, and on Tuesdays, Bozeman Hot Springs will donate $2 from every admission. These are just a few of the dozens of promotions happening throughout October—check cancersupportmontana. org for the full list. To wrap up the month, Cancer Support Community Montana will host a Pink Party on October 29th at 5:00 PM, where PNKBZN Bingo prizes will be awarded, and the event will feature vendors, drinks, and appetizers.
For more information about Cancer Support Community Montana or PNKBZN please visit cancersupportmontana.org or contact CSCMT at 406-582-1600
About Cancer Support Community Montana: Cancer Support Community Montana’s mission is to uplift and strengthen people impacted by cancer by providing support, fostering compassionate communities, and breaking down barriers to care. Started in 2004, CSCMT is a not-for-profit 501c3 with chapters in Bozeman and Missoula, 14 resource centers across the state in smaller communities, and a virtual presence. We provide support services to youth, adults, patients, caregivers, couples and families who are impacted by cancer to improve their quality of life at the time of diagnosis, during treatment, through short- and long-term survivorship and into end of life. To learn more, visit cancersupportmontana.org.
Breast cancer treatments are designed to target and destroy cancer cells, but they can also have significant effects on the body’s immune system.
Understanding these effects is crucial for managing side effects and maintaining overall health during and after treatment. Here’s a closer look at how common breast cancer treatments interact with the immune system.
Chemotherapy is one of the most widely used treatments for breast cancer. It targets rapidly dividing cells, a hallmark of cancer cells. However, chemotherapy does not discriminate between cancer cells and other rapidly dividing cells, such as those in the bone marrow, which produce white blood cells crucial for immune function.
Regular check-ups can help monitor any side effects and manage them promptly. Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep can support overall immune function.
Targeted therapies, such as HER2 inhibitors, and immunotherapies, like checkpoint inhibitors, represent advanced treatment options that work by specifically targeting cancer cells or boosting the immune system to fight cancer.
Chemotherapy can significantly reduce the number of white blood cells, particularly neutrophils, leading to a condition called neutropenia. This makes patients more susceptible to infections. The body’s reduced ability to fight infections can result in prolonged fatigue and general weakness.
Patients should practice good hygiene, avoid large crowds and steer clear of sick individuals. In some cases, doctors may prescribe growth factors to stimulate white blood cell production or antibiotics to prevent infections.
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and kill cancer cells. While it is localized to the breast area, it can still affect the immune system, particularly if lymph nodes are included in the treatment field.
Radiation can damage healthy cells in the treated area, leading to localized immunosuppression. Damage to the lymphatic system can lead to lymphedema, a condition characterized by swelling due to lymph fluid buildup, which can compromise local immune function.
Patients should take extra care of the skin in the treated area to prevent infections. Regular exercise, compression garments and manual lymphatic drainage can help manage lymphedema.
Hormone therapies, such as tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitors, are used to treat hormone receptor-positive breast cancer by blocking the effects of estrogen.
Hormone therapies generally have a less direct effect on the immune system compared to chemotherapy or radiation. However, they can still affect overall health and well-being, indirectly influencing immune function.
Some studies suggest that hormone therapy can slightly increase the risk of certain infections.
Immunotherapies can enhance the immune system’s ability to recognize and destroy cancer cells. These therapies can sometimes lead to immune-related adverse effects, such as inflammation of healthy tissues. Patients receiving these therapies require close monitoring for immune-related side effects. Early intervention for side effects, such as using corticosteroids for inflammation, can mitigate complications.
Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is a challenging and emotional experience, and interpreting the pathology report can be daunting.
This critical document contains detailed information about the cancer, which guides treatment decisions.
Patient information: This section includes your name, date of birth and medical record number to ensure the report is correctly matched to you.
Specimen information: Details about the tissue sample, such as where it was taken from (e.g., biopsy, lumpectomy, mastectomy), the date it was collected, and the type of procedure performed.
Diagnosis: This is the most crucial part of the report, providing the specific type and characteristics of the breast cancer.
The pathology report will specify the type of breast cancer. The most common types are:
• Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): Cancer that starts in the milk ducts and invades surrounding tissue.
• Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC): Cancer that begins in the lobules (milk-producing glands) and spreads to nearby tissues.
Measured in centimeters, tumor size helps determine the stage of cancer. Generally, smaller tumors have a better prognosis. The tumor grade describes how much the cancer cells resemble normal cells under a microscope. The grade can be:
• Grade 1 (low): Cancer cells look somewhat like normal cells and tend to grow slowly.
• Grade 2 (intermediate): Cancer cells look more abnormal and grow moderately.
• Grade 3 (high): Cancer cells look very different from normal cells and tend to grow quickly.
Margins indicate whether cancer cells are present at the edges of the removed tissue.
• Negative (clear) margins: No cancer cells at the edges.
• Positive margins: Cancer cells are present at the edges, which might mean more surgery is needed.
these hormones to grow, and hormone therapy may be effective. HER2-positive cancers have higher levels of a protein that promotes cell growth and may respond to targeted therapies like trastuzumab (Herceptin).
The Ki-67 marker indicates the proportion of cancer cells that are actively dividing. Higher Ki-67 levels suggest more aggressive cancer.
Pathologist’s comments are detailed observations and any additional findings the pathologist considers important. The summary and recommendations section may include suggestions for further testing or treatment options based on the findings.
Lymph node involvement indicates whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Node-negative means no cancer in the lymph nodes. Node-positive indicates that cancer is present in the lymph nodes, indicating a higher likelihood that it has spread.
Tests to determine the presence of specific receptors on the cancer cells help discover the presence of estrogen receptors (ER), progesterone receptors (PR) and HER2 status.
Positive ER and PR status means the cancer cells may receive signals from
Your oncologist will explain the findings and how they affect your treatment plan. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or request clarifications. If you’re unsure about the report or recommended treatment, a second opinion can provide additional perspectives and reassurance.
Understanding your pathology report empowers you to make informed decisions about your treatment and care. By familiarizing yourself with its components and discussing the details with your healthcare team, you can navigate your diagnosis with greater confidence and clarity. Knowledge is power, and staying informed is a vital part of your journey.
Facing a breast cancer diagnosis is overwhelming both emotionally and financially. Managing the costs of treatment is a crucial aspect of care.
Breastcancer.org warns the costs of breast cancer go beyond paying for medical procedures and medication. Other expenses include the transportation to and from a treatment center, child care while you are having a treatment and specialized diets. Some people may also be facing loss of income from taking time off work.
Familiarize yourself with your health insurance policy. Know what is covered, including hospital stays, treatments, medications and diagnostic tests. Pay attention to co-pays, deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums. Using health care providers within your insurance network can significantly reduce costs. Verify that your oncologist, hospital and any specialists are in-network.
Some treatments require pre-authorization from your insurance company. Ensure your health care provider obtains this approval before proceeding with treatments to avoid unexpected bills.
“We give patients the diagnosis codes, the procedure codes, and encourage them strongly to call their insurance company to see if they need any pre-certifications and pre-authorizations and for information about co-pays and deductibles,” said Annette Hargadon, CRNP, breast surgery specialist at the Lankenau Medical Center in Pennsylvania.
Maintain detailed records of all medical bills, insurance claims and correspondence. This can help track expenses and resolve disputes with insurance companies. Many hospitals and cancer treatment centers offer financial assistance programs. These programs can help cover costs not paid by insurance, including co-pays and deductibles.
If you lack insurance, investigate available coverage options. Medicaid provides health coverage for low-income individuals, and the criteria vary by state. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace offers plans that may be subsidized based on your income.
Numerous organizations provide financial aid to breast
cancer patients. The American Cancer Society, Susan G. Komen Foundation, and CancerCare offer grants and assistance programs to help cover treatment costs.
Many hospitals have financial aid programs for uninsured patients. These programs can reduce or even eliminate medical bills based on your financial situation. Participating in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments at no cost. Clinical trials often cover the cost of medications and related health care expenses.
Whenever possible, opt for generic medications instead of brand-name drugs. Generics are significantly cheaper and equally effective.
Many pharmaceutical companies offer prescription assistance programs for patients who cannot afford their medications. Programs like the Partnership for Prescription Assistance can help you find these resources.
Medication prices can vary widely between pharmacies. Use online tools like GoodRx to compare prices and find discounts. Doctors often have samples of medications. Ask your oncologist if they can provide samples to help reduce your costs.
If you take a medication regularly, ask your doctor to prescribe a 90-day supply. Many pharmacies offer discounts for buying in bulk.
Immunotherapy has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment for various types of cancer, including breast cancer.
Unlike traditional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation, which directly target cancer cells, immunotherapy harnesses the body’s immune system to recognize and fight cancer. This innovative approach offers new hope for patients, especially those with advanced or treatmentresistant forms of the disease.
The immune system is the body’s natural defense mechanism, constantly patrolling for and eliminating foreign invaders like bacteria
and viruses. Cancer cells, however, often develop ways to evade immune detection, allowing them to grow and spread unchecked. Immunotherapy enhances the immune system’s ability to detect and destroy cancer cells. This can be achieved through various mechanisms, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, which block proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer.
The FDA has approved two notable immunotherapy drugs for the treatment of breast cancer: Jemperli (dostarlimab) and Keytruda (pembrolizumab).
Jemperli is an immune checkpoint inhibitor that targets the PD-1 receptor on immune cells. By blocking this receptor, Jemperli enhances the ability of the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. It is specifically approved for patients with mismatch repair-deficient (dMMR) or microsatellite instabilityhigh (MSI-H) tumors, which are more likely to respond to immunotherapy. Specialized testing of the tumor tissue identifies these genetic markers.
Keytruda is another immune checkpoint inhibitor that targets the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, preventing cancer cells from evading immune detection. Keytruda has shown effectiveness in treating triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a particularly aggressive form of the disease. It is approved for use in combination with chemotherapy for patients whose tumors express the PD-L1 protein, as determined by an FDA-approved test. Keytruda is also approved for high-risk early-stage TNBC in combination with chemotherapy as neoadjuvant treatment and then continued as a
single agent as adjuvant treatment after surgery.
Determining whether immunotherapy is suitable for a breast cancer patient involves several factors:
Biomarker testing: The presence of specific biomarkers such as PD-L1 expression, dMMR, or MSI-H status can indicate a higher likelihood of response to immunotherapy. These biomarkers can be identified through tissue testing.
Type of breast cancer: Immunotherapy has shown particular promise in treating certain subtypes of breast cancer, such as triple-negative breast cancer. The type and stage of cancer play a crucial role in treatment decisions.
The patient’s treatment history, including previous responses to other therapies, can influence the decision to use immunotherapy. It is often considered for patients who have not responded to traditional treatments.
A patient’s overall health and ability to tolerate potential side effects are important considerations. Immunotherapy can cause immune-related side effects that need to be managed carefully. Consulting with a health care provider is essential to make an informed decision about whether immunotherapy is the right course of treatment.
