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I don’t want to take tamoxifen need help understanding absolute risk of reoccurrence stage 1 oncotype 18, tumor 15mm, age 56, no lymph nodes

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
April 16
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A MyBCTeam Member

I asked my dr that exact question today. She said that there no studies where she can give me an answer to what my risk of reoccurrence would be without taking Tamoxifen. She can only base her information on my OncoType score 18, and it said 5% chance with Tamoxifen. So she gave me 1/2 an answer.. I need a good 2nd opinion from another medical oncologist in NY. 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

April 16
A MyBCTeam Member

Maybe ask your doctor what your risk of recurrence is and without Tamoxifen. And how likely to be metastatic. If you can live with odds, you might have your answer, if not, you might have your answer.
Also, if you decide to take it, you can stop it at any time.
Wishing you well!

April 16
A MyBCTeam Member

I am brca gene negative

April 16
MyBCTeam

What is your absolute risk of breast cancer recurrence with Stage 1, Oncotype 18, 15mm tumor, age 56, and no lymph node involvement?

Your Oncotype score of 18 is in the low-risk range, which is positive news. However, the search results don't provide specific absolute risk percentages for your exact situation.

Here's what Show Full Answer

What is your absolute risk of breast cancer recurrence with Stage 1, Oncotype 18, 15mm tumor, age 56, and no lymph node involvement?

Your Oncotype score of 18 is in the low-risk range, which is positive news. However, the search results don't provide specific absolute risk percentages for your exact situation.

Here's what we know about recurrence risk and tamoxifen:

General recurrence statistics:
- Breast cancer can recur within 5 years in about 1 in 6 people with HR-positive breast cancer that had spread to lymph nodes
- Since you have no lymph node involvement, your risk is likely lower
- Recurrence can occur many years after diagnosis, even up to 32 years later

Impact of tamoxifen:
- Taking tamoxifen as prescribed can lower recurrence risk by up to 50 percent
- It can decrease the risk of dying from breast cancer by 30 percent
- Not taking tamoxifen or stopping early increases recurrence risk significantly

What affects your specific risk:
Your Oncotype score helps predict recurrence risk and whether chemotherapy would be beneficial. A score of 18 suggests lower risk, but tamoxifen may still provide important protection.

Consider asking your oncologist for genomic test results that can give you a more personalized estimate of your absolute recurrence risk with and without tamoxifen. This will help you make an informed decision about your treatment.

April 16

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