Question 1

What is Hormone-sensitive cancers?

Accepted Answer

Hormone-sensitive cancers are cancers that depend on hormones like estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone for their growth and include breast cancer, prostate cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer. These cancers develop when hormone receptors on cancer cells are activated by circulating sex hormones, promoting tumor growth. The Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) test is the most important test for assessing hormonal environment and cancer risk because it measures the protein that regulates hormone availability in the body.

Question 2

What causes hormone-sensitive cancers?

Accepted Answer

Hormone-sensitive cancers are caused by prolonged exposure to sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone that activate hormone receptors on cancer cells and promote tumor growth. Risk factors include early menstruation, late menopause, hormone replacement therapy, obesity (which increases estrogen production in fat tissue), and genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2. Lifestyle factors such as alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, and never having been pregnant also increase the risk by extending lifetime hormone exposure.

Question 3

What is the best test for hormone-sensitive cancers?

Accepted Answer

The Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) test is the most important blood test for assessing hormone-sensitive cancer risk because it measures the protein that binds and regulates the availability of testosterone and estrogen in your body. Low SHBG levels mean more free hormones circulating in your bloodstream, which has been associated with increased risk of breast and prostate cancers. While blood tests cannot diagnose cancer directly, the SHBG test provides valuable information about your hormonal environment and helps identify individuals who may benefit from enhanced screening or preventive strategies. Additional hormone panels measuring estradiol, testosterone, and progesterone levels may also be recommended based on your specific situation.

Question 4

When should I get tested for hormone-sensitive cancer risk?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you have a family history of breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer, if you are considering or currently using hormone replacement therapy, or if you have conditions like obesity or polycystic ovary syndrome that affect hormone levels. Women who started menstruating early, experienced late menopause, or never had children should also consider testing. Men with prostate concerns or anyone with unexplained symptoms like breast lumps, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or urinary changes should get tested promptly to establish their hormonal baseline and cancer risk profile.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of hormone-sensitive cancers?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms vary depending on the specific cancer type but commonly include a breast lump or thickening, changes in breast size or shape, nipple discharge or inversion, abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, pelvic pain, difficulty urinating, blood in urine, unexplained weight loss, and persistent fatigue. Prostate cancer may cause weak urine flow, frequent nighttime urination, or erectile dysfunction. Endometrial cancer often presents with postmenopausal bleeding or heavy menstrual periods. Many hormone-sensitive cancers develop slowly and may not cause symptoms in early stages, making regular screening and risk assessment important for early detection.

Question 6

Who is at risk for hormone-sensitive cancers?

Accepted Answer

Women with early menstruation (before age 12), late menopause (after age 55), family history of breast or ovarian cancer, BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, obesity, history of hormone replacement therapy, or who never had children are at increased risk. Men with family history of prostate cancer, African American ancestry, or obesity have higher prostate cancer risk. Other risk factors include alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES), dense breast tissue, and previous radiation therapy to the chest. Age is a major factor, with risk increasing significantly after age 50 for most hormone-sensitive cancers.

Question 7

What happens if hormone-sensitive cancers are left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated hormone-sensitive cancers will continue to grow and spread to nearby tissues and organs, eventually metastasizing to distant sites like bones, liver, lungs, and brain. As tumors grow, they can cause severe pain, organ failure, and life-threatening complications. Breast cancer may ulcerate through the skin, endometrial cancer can cause severe anemia from bleeding, and prostate cancer can spread to bones causing fractures and spinal cord compression. Advanced hormone-sensitive cancers become increasingly difficult to treat and have significantly lower survival rates, making early detection and intervention critical for the best outcomes.

Question 8

Can hormone-sensitive cancers be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests alone cannot diagnose hormone-sensitive cancers, but they play an important role in assessing risk factors and monitoring hormonal environment. The SHBG test measures hormone-binding proteins that regulate cancer-promoting hormones in your bloodstream. Definitive cancer diagnosis requires imaging studies like mammograms, ultrasounds, or MRI scans, followed by tissue biopsy to examine cells under a microscope. However, blood tests are valuable for identifying individuals at higher risk who may benefit from more frequent screening, and they are essential for monitoring tumor markers like CA 15-3 and CA 125 in people already diagnosed with cancer.

Question 9

How are hormone-sensitive cancers treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment typically combines surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy based on cancer type, stage, and hormone receptor status. Hormone therapy drugs like tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors, and anti-androgen medications block hormone production or prevent hormones from attaching to cancer cells. Surgery may involve lumpectomy, mastectomy, hysterectomy, or prostatectomy to remove tumors. Radiation therapy destroys remaining cancer cells after surgery, while chemotherapy targets rapidly dividing cells throughout the body. Newer targeted therapies and immunotherapies are increasingly used for specific cancer subtypes. Treatment plans are personalized based on individual factors, and regular monitoring ensures the cancer responds appropriately.

Question 10

How can I prevent hormone-sensitive cancers?

Accepted Answer

Maintain a healthy weight through regular exercise and balanced diet, limit alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day for women, avoid or limit hormone replacement therapy duration, and consider breastfeeding if possible as it reduces breast cancer risk. Regular screening including mammograms, Pap smears, and prostate exams allows early detection when cancer is most treatable. For high-risk individuals, preventive medications like tamoxifen or raloxifene, or prophylactic surgery to remove breasts or ovaries, may be recommended. Avoiding smoking, reducing exposure to environmental estrogens in plastics and pesticides, and managing stress also contribute to lower cancer risk.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with hormone-sensitive cancer prevention?

Accepted Answer

Eating a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts supports healthy estrogen metabolism through compounds called indole-3-carbinol and sulforaphane. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, flaxseeds, and walnuts reduce inflammation, while green tea contains polyphenols that may inhibit cancer cell growth. Regular exercise helps maintain healthy hormone levels by reducing body fat and improving insulin sensitivity. Vitamin D supplementation may reduce cancer risk, particularly for breast and prostate cancers. However, natural approaches should complement rather than replace medical screening and treatment, and you should always discuss supplements with your healthcare provider to avoid interactions with medications or treatments.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
            Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Hormone-Sensitive Cancer Blood Test

What is Hormone-sensitive cancers?

What causes hormone-sensitive cancers?

What is the best test for hormone-sensitive cancers?

When should I get tested for hormone-sensitive cancer risk?

References

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