Hormone therapy is one of the most important—and challenging—parts of life after breast cancer. In this episode of Besties with Breasties, hosts Beth Wilmes and Jess Anderson welcome Dr. Catherine Clifton, board-certified medical oncologist at Washington University School of Medicine, for an in-depth conversation on hormone suppression therapy and survivorship.

This episode breaks down what breast cancer survivors need to know about Tamoxifen vs. Aromatase Inhibitors, how long hormone therapy should last (five years vs. ten years), and why treatment adherence is one of the biggest challenges in breast cancer care today. Dr. Clifton explains how personalized medicine—including tools like the Breast Cancer Index—is helping patients and providers make more informed, individualized decisions.

The conversation also addresses real-world side effects such as joint pain, cardiovascular health concerns, and quality-of-life issues that often lead patients to stop treatment early. With emerging research on lower-dose Tamoxifen and minimal residual disease testing, this episode offers both education and hope for the future of breast cancer treatment.

Whether you’re a survivor, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this episode provides practical insights and encouragement for navigating hormone therapy after breast cancer.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Hormone therapy can reduce breast cancer recurrence risk by approximately 50%
2. Tamoxifen is typically used for premenopausal patients, while Aromatase Inhibitors are for postmenopausal patients
3. Side effects such as joint pain and cardiovascular risks require proactive management
4. 20–50% of patients discontinue hormone therapy early due to side effects
5. Research into lower-dose Tamoxifen may improve tolerability
6. Minimal residual disease testing may lead to more personalized treatment approaches

Learn more from Dr. Katherine Clifton, MD: https://siteman.wustl.edu/doctor/clifton-katherine/

Learn more or support Faith Through Fire at faiththroughfire.org

Companies mentioned in this episode:

1. Faith through Fire
2. Washington University School of Medicine
3. Thrivent Gateway Financial Group