A new test could help those suffering with breast cancer decide on the best course of treatment.
For many dealing with cancer the most difficult part is going through chemotherapy.
A new genetic test could help some, with a particular kind of breast cancer, to avoid unnecessary treatment.
Dr. Drew Bathune says while chemotherapy helps many people it isn’t always effective and can have damaging side effects.
He says the genetic test, which requires a small piece of a tumour that’s been surgically removed, can be used to determine if chemo will be effective.
But, he says it isn’t for everyone.
“Depending on the analysis of the tumour,” he says, “if there are no lymph-nodes involve, and it’s a certain type that is hormone sensitive, and it’s small enough…then the oncologist can request the test.”
The test is being used on a trial basis in Nova Scotia for the next year.
