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FDA Approves New Treatment Option for Breast Cancer – What You Need to Know

building with a sign that says FDA

Health & Wellness

By: Kaia Bonner

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a new breast cancer medication for certain patients who are living with advanced and metastatic breast cancer, like stage 4.

The new treatment combines two medications, imlunestrant and abemaciclib, for certain patients with advanced breast cancer that has continued to grow or spread after hormone therapy. Over time, some breast cancers can change in ways that make hormone therapy less effective, leaving patients with fewer treatment options.

The newly approved combination gives some of these patients another option. The two medications work in different ways to help slow the cancer’s growth, particularly when previous hormone treatments are no longer working.

While new treatment options are giving patients more choices, early detection is still important. Breast cancer doesn’t always have noticeable symptoms in the early stages, which is why keeping up with your health can make a difference.

Mammograms can help find breast cancer before a lump can be felt or other symptoms appear. Finding cancer earlier may also mean having more treatment options available.

It’s important to pay attention to changes in your breasts between screenings, such as:

  • A new lump
  • Changes in the size or shape of the breast
  • Nipple changes
  • Unusual discharge
  • Changes to the skin

Any of these should be discussed with your doctor as soon as possible.

At Jackson Memorial Hospital and Jackson North Medical Center, patients can receive breast care at every stage, whether it’s time for a routine mammogram, additional testing after an abnormal screening, or treatment following a breast cancer diagnosis. Specialists work with patients to understand their diagnosis and determine the next steps in their care.

With breast cancer affecting people at different ages and stages, knowing what’s normal for your body and taking changes seriously can make a difference. Whether it’s time for a routine screening or something just doesn’t feel right, don’t wait to have the conversation with your doctor.

For more information about breast health services at Jackson Health System, visit JacksonHealth.org/Services/Breast-Health/. To make an appointment with the Breast Health Center, call 305-585-6000.