@A MyBCTeam Member After everything you have been through, I wouldn't be doing blood screen testing every three month either, I would defiantly go straight to CT scans as you seem to be having great results with this type of screening. Hugs ♥️

Mentioned Users

A MyBCTea...

I stopped taking Anastrozole as the side effects were literally damaging my quality of life. The brain fog and confusion were dreadful, I might have coped with the menopausal symptoms if they were the only side effect, but the memory problems were frightening. I was supposed to take anastrozole for 7 years, I didn't even manage a full year. When I told my doctor (not the consultant) that I wasn't going to take it anymore, he said it probably wouldn't increase my risk of recurrence by very much. I'm 76 in February, my children all middle aged adults themselves, and my grandchildren all in their twenties. We each make choices according to our circumstances. I'm at peace with my choice.

@A MyBCTeam Member
Hi Janet

I trust my oncologist implicitly.

She is in charge of the whole URMC breast cancer unit at Strong and Highland hospitals.

Based upon my record, my cases in entirety, she has determined that I will need to take “something” for the rest of my life.

Taking a pill is the issue, which pill do I take?

The side effects of Letrozole are killing me some days.

Today is one of those days 🥹

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A MyBCTea...

The need for 5 more years of anastrozole after the initial 5 years is determined by clinical trials like the AERAS trial, which showed improved Disease-Free Survival (DFS) by continuing anastrozole, and by prognostic tools like the Breast Cancer Index (BCI), which assesses late recurrence risk and benefit from extended therapy. Doctors use these studies and tests, alongside patient-specific factors, to decide if the benefit of extended treatment outweighs the risks.
Key Trials & Tests
AERAS Trial (NCT01523110): This large study randomized postmenopausal women to stop anastrozole after 5 years or continue for another 5 years, finding that extended treatment significantly improved DFS, suggesting benefit for many.
Breast Cancer Index (BCI): A genomic test that helps predict the risk of late recurrence (after 5 years) and the likelihood of benefit from extended hormone therapy, guiding decisions on whether to continue treatment.
ABCSG-16/SALSA Trial: This study compared 2 versus 5 more years of anastrozole, finding more side effects with the 10-year total (5+5) regimen but not a significant DFS benefit over just 7 years (5+2) in some cases, highlighting the balance of risk/benefit.
How It's Used
Initial 5 Years: Patients typically complete 5 years of anastrozole after initial treatment.
Risk Assessment: Doctors use the BCI or similar tools to assess a patient's risk of recurrence after year 5.
Trial Data: Evidence from AERAS suggests extending treatment offers survival benefits, while trials like SALSA balance this against potential harms like fractures.
Personalized Decision: Based on the BCI score, patient age, risk factors, and tolerance, a doctor decides if another 2-5 years of anastrozole is appropriate.

Kathryn have you ever discussed changing meds with your oncologist? I know some people have said when they’ve switched they had lesser side effects.