Happy Wellness Wednesday!
Okay, today’s post is based on something I shared…
…back in January IN THIS POST.
If you missed my post on THE SMART WOMAN’S GUIDE TO BREAST CANCER, I really really really recommend you read that one FIRST before you read today’s.
In this book and in the podcast episode I listened to…
…this test is discussed several times…
This is the AURIA HOME BIOLOGICAL BREAST CANCER SCREENING TEST.
After listening to the episode and reading the book (I’m not finished, but I’m slowly working my way through it), I discussed this test with my doctor, and we agreed that it was a good fit for me.
So, what exactly is this test?
This is an at home tear-based biological breast cancer screening test. It uses biomarkers in your tears to test for breast abnormalities.
Since I’ve previously recommended the book and the podcast episode to you, I’m going to assume a few of you might also be interested in this test, so I wanted to share my experience should you make the purchase.
Here are my thoughts:
1: Before you do anything, talk to your doctor. Please, please, please don’t take my advice. Talk to your doctor and make sure this is the right test for YOU.
2: I ordered my test off of Amazon. It was easy to order and arrived quickly.
3: I opened my kit and all of the instructions were right there. It was easy to register my test with the information in the box.
4: The physical instructions came with a link to a video that I watched on my phone prior to administering the test. The video explains each part of the test, how to properly administer it, secure it once completed and return it.
5: How do you catch your tears on the little paper testing strip? Well there is a photo in your box and it’s explained in the video, but basically, you take the tiny little strip, bend it at one end and place it under your lower lid for five minutes. In full transparency, I did not love this part. I turned a podcast on in my bathroom and set a timer as a distraction during this five minutes of holding a little piece of paper under my eye lid. It didn’t hurt, it just felt uncomfortable and oddly made me a little claustrophobic (weird but true). When my timer went off, I followed the instructions to put my tear strip back in the box, made sure it was all registered and then placed it in my mailbox to be sent back off (it comes with postage paid). Easy as that. My eye didn’t hurt after I removed the strip, but it felt just a little scratched for about 20 minutes post-test.
6: I mailed my test off on a Thursday afternoon and had my results in an email from Auria the following Thursday. The results were really easy to read and pretty comprehensive. My results came back negative.
Now, does this replace any sort of further diagnostic testing (like a mammogram)? Well, that’s between you and your doctor. For me, this is just one more “tool” in my toolbox that I can use as needed/annually to get a better idea about my breast health.
I said this in the first post, and I’m going to say it again here, all I really care about today is that WE ARE ALL thinking about our breasts today.
This is an audience of women which means many of us have had breast cancer, do have breast cancer, or will get breast cancer. I just would like to encourage all of us to think more about our breasts. Do we have a solid baseline for how they look and feel today? When was the last time we met with a healthcare provider to have them look at our breasts? Are we on top of any sort of abnormalities in our breasts? I just beg you all to think about your breasts today and take action when/if needed.
If you missed the first post, please make sure you go back and read that one too!
Okay, that wraps up today! If you have any questions about the Auria test, drop them in the comment section below.
Have the best day! xx
Elspeth Mizner says
I’ve never heard about this test. Thanks for giving it a try and sharing your review!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Emma says
Fascinating, I hadn’t heard of this test before! It’s great that it seems like they’re making breast cancer screening more easy and accessible.
Amy H says
Hi Shay, great post! thank you so much for sharing this today and encouraging women to think about their breast health! I am a nurse that cares for breast cancer patients and I see every day the importance being aware of your breast health and taking advantage of the screening tools that are available to detect breast cancer as early as possible.
Hallie Yanez says
Thanks for sharing Shay! I have no had a mammogram yet, as I am a little bit younger, but my SIL got diagnosed last month and had her first chemo treatment yesterday. She also was not of age to get a mammogram, but noticed something different and decided to go to the dr and they sent her to go get a mammogram! Thank god they did then, because who knows where she would be at if she had waited. But thank you for sharing all of this information.
Jennifer Dempsey says
Are you still going to get a mammogram or just use this test?
Mix and Match Mama says
I have been getting routine mammograms annually for years, but right now, I *think* I’m going to wait. After visiting with my doctor, at this moment, I don’t need one for diagnostic purposes, but should that change at all this year, I’ll immediately get one. I’m taking it one month at at time.
Nades says
You don’t need a diagnostic mammogram. You need a screening one- that is recommended every year for women your age. This test is not a replacement. I hope you realize this and that women reading this blog do as well. Yearly mammograms are the best way to catch breast cancer in its early stages. Any doctor (or influencer) that recommends skipping a yearly mammogram is wrong.
Mix and Match Mama says
I am not recommending skipping any mammograms. I’m recommending talking to your doctor about what’s right for you. The only thing I want everyone to do today is think about their breast health.
Emi says
Any post about breast health brings awareness! Thank you, Shay.
Kelly S says
Just had my 3D mammogram (yearly) yesterday. I never miss. As RN, I see WAY TOO OFTEN, people not doing preventitive things like yearly physicals, labs, mammos, colonoscopy, etc. The SOONER you catch things, THE BETTER treatment options. It’s not had to stay on top of the yearly things or recommended testing, for good health and peace of mind. A lot of people have a “I don’t want to know about it’ mentality out of fear (and I get that) but it brings a lot of peace of mind to just do the things suggested by your Dr. and take good care of yourself. You can only control what you can control, so do those things, and let the rest go.
Danielle Green says
I appreciate how supportive and proactive you are and encourage others to be. Thank you!
Lisa D says
I had breast cancer surgery over a year ago so I speak with experience. Ladies, do NOT neglect your breasts! Do a self check often. Go to a health care provider. Just do it!
Hanna Humphreys says
Interested in trying this/talking to my doc about it! I’m supposed to get an ultrasound for my left breast, but my insurance won’t cover it since I’m only 28. Just FYI, the link takes you to running shorts on Amazon instead of the test 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much! I corrected that!
sandi says
If your doctor thinks an ultrasound is needed challenge the insurance company. If they absolutely refuse, you could ask for the self pay rate which is (usually) a 50% discount from the stated rate. Age should not matter when it comes to testing! Best of luck with this.
Arika says
Shay, the other day on your stories you posted a link to a podcast you’d listened to about sleep. By the time I went back to grab it, the story had disappeared. Can you repost it? Thanks!
Mix and Match Mama says
Yes, yes! It was SO SO GOOD! It’s Peter Attia’s The Drive episode 341.
Erin H says
How interesting! I’ve never heard of this kind of test. And I totally get that making you feel claustrophobic. This is not completely the same, but I really like how my eyelashes look after an eyelash lift (essentially a perm for your eyelashes), but it makes me feel so panic-y when I’m getting it done! There’s all of this tape and you can’t open your eyes and nothing makes me want to do something more then when you tell me I can’t! Like back during the pandemic when people were all “don’t touch your face!” and I realized all I do it touch my face. Ha!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh my gosh, I had my lashes tinted one time years ago and vowed never to do it again. The entire experience made me extremely claustrophobic!
Carrie says
Thank you, Shay, for increasing awareness about women’s breast health. As a breast cancer survivor and mentor to current breast cancer patients, I know how important early detection is. I appreciate you encouraging women to have conversations with their physicians and want to reiterate this: “Auria is not a replacement for mammography, but a complement to imaging and genetic testing to give women a full picture of their breast health to empower and educate them on their journey…” (from the manufacturer of Auria). Just as you said, Auria can be another tool in the toolbox. Breast cancer research has come so far in the past two decades, and many of us are alive today due to screening tools and advances that were not available 20 years ago. I do worry about the hesitancy of some women to get mammograms and the vast amount of misinformation on the Internet. Mammography is still the gold standard for detecting breast cancer early. I encourage all women to do self breast exams and receive annual screenings as prescribed by their physician. One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime, but thanks to brilliant scientists who devote their lives to research, we now have many tools to use to detect and treat cancer. Advocate for your health, my friends, and know that there are millions of pink sisters who live long, healthy lives after a breast cancer diagnosis!
Beth Valenta says
Keep it coming Shay! I love knowing what is out there besides out regular testing. I go every year and check myself often. Always trust your gut and how YOU feel, as doctors are human and don’t know you inside and out.
sandi says
Technology and the advances being made medically are astounding! Biomarkers in tears… incredible. My grandmother was diagnosed in her early 50’s with breast cancer and had a double mastectomy at age 57. Because of that medical history, I have been getting yearly mammograms since age 38 (I am 57). There have been few scares that have lead to ultrasounds or a biopsy, but they have all been nothing. If this would have been around in my early 30’s it would definitely intrigue me.
Several weeks ago in a Wellness Wednesday post about supplements, a comment was made about the amount of Vitamin D you are taking and mentioned anything over 4000 IU can lead to toxicity. Personally I take 50,000 IU of Vitamin D (one pill weekly by prescription) and have for the last two years. Some vitamins take longer to enter your system and make a change in blood work levels… Vitamin D is one of those. Thank you for being vulnerable with sharing what YOU take and what helps YOU! Everyone else needs to figure out the combination of supplements, vitamins and prescriptions that is best for THEM.
Mix and Match Mama says
Sandi, you are always one of my favorite commenters. Thank you for being such a vital part of this community. xx
Erin says
Perfect timing for this post as I was just told yesterday that I need a breast biopsy for suspicion of malignancy at age 43. I listened to the podcast which was very informative and will be ordering the book. Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
Erin, I’m going to be praying for you. Please keep me posted. Sending you so much love! xx
Paula Hobbs says
Praying for you, Erin.
Leslie S says
Erin I’m praying for you.
Samantha Carroll says
Reading this while waiting at my annual mammogram appointment!
Ellen says
Is it FDA-approved? Has it been clinically tested? I have questions
Mix and Match Mama says
You should look into it and see if you think it’s a fit for you and talk to your doctor.
Ellen says
I am over 50, with a family history of breast cancer, so I would definitely not choose it for myself.
It is really intriguing — especially if it saved the life of even one woman who was struggling to get in for a mammogram, either due to fear or lack of access.
But I really want to see some clinical trial results, and I can’t find them. The website says they have them … guess I’ll keep looking!
Samantha says
Hi, as a provider in women’s health, I have a few points/questions. What are the implications if the test is “reactive/positive”? Would insurance cover non-routine/screening tests based on these results? Would a positive result be enough for coverage of say diagnostic imaging or genetic counseling/testing?
Please, please readers..get your annual screening mammograms. They save lives and this is evidence based practice. Ask your provider to run screening tests for elevated breast cancer risks. If elevated, insurance will cover further testing as needed.
Samantha
Molly says
This!!!! — primary care doctor. I looked at their few peer reviewed studies – none touch on clinical implications.
Stephanie says
Wow Shay! Perfect timing for this post for many (myself included) as I’m reading the comments. I was diagnosed with DCIS, 3 weeks ago and I’m having a double masectomy next Wednesday the 9th. The mass is 79mm which is considered very large and therefore a lumpectomy isn’t an option for me. I’ll have tissue expanders until this Fall, then will have reconstruction. Since 2018 my gyno and I have been monitoring a cyst. I’ve had multiple ultrasounds and diagnostic mammograms to make sure it’s not growing, changing etc. I had my yearly exam with her in February and she said she wanted me to have another ultrasound and diagnostic mammogram because the last one I had was 2020. I did have a 3D mammogram just 1 year ago. The ultrasound found the new mass and my cyst had actually shrunk. She thought she was feeling the cyst, as did I, but it was a new mass and cancerous. I can’t reiterate enough how important it is as women to have our yearly exams and mammograms. Right now mine is still considered Stage 0. My doctor isn’t convinced though because of how fast this one grew. I’m having lymph nodes removed during the masectomy surgery and sent to pathology to see if it’s spread. If I wouldn’t have gone to my yearly checkup or even followed up with the ultrasound this could easily be Stage 1-3 in a few months. I had genetic testing done last week and can’t wait to get those results back. Thanks Shay for bringing this awareness to everyone.
Mix and Match Mama says
Stephanie, I am praying for you! I just wrote your name down so that I can continue to pray for you. Please, please, PLEASE keep us updated! We are praying for a quick and very healthy recovery. xx
Stephanie says
Thank you so much Shay! I’ll take all the prayers you have! I’ll definitely keep you posted. Is there a good way to do that? Didn’t know if commenting here lets you know there’s a new comment?
Mix and Match Mama says
It does!!! I was praying specifically for you just this morning! Please keep us updated!!! xx
Paula Hobbs says
Praying for you now, Stephanie.
Stephanie says
Thank you so much Paula!
Leslie S says
Praying for you Stephanie! I hope you’ll let us know if there are any specific prayer requests we can pray for while you go through this process.
My sister had a double mastectomy and 4 lymph nodes removed at age 41. She is thriving. If you are interested in reading about things that helped her she has a blog called The Blonde Bombshell where she chronicled her journey as well as mental health. She was BRCA negative and I was tested as well. So important to have these conversations and support each other with women’s health issues!
Stephanie says
Thank you so much Leslie! I’m definitely going to check out your sister’s blog right now! My specific prayer request is that I heal quickly and without any complications. I’m having a hard time with the fact I won’t be able to do much of anything for many weeks and I’m a very active person.
Caroline says
I love that you’re sharing a breast cancer screener.
Melissa says
Hi Shay! As an RN, did you also know that alcohol consumption is a risk factor for breast cancer? There is evidence based research to back that up. But this “test?” No! No evidence based research. Ladies, please don’t waste your time or money on such garbage.
Mix and Match Mama says
Or talk to your doctor(s) and always make the right decision for you. That’s always the best option 🙂 .
Ellen says
Agreed.
I’ve been thinking about the parallels to colon cancer screening. I was SURE my doctor would say it was OK to do the fecal test rather than a colonoscopy. Those are pretty well validated, and I don’t have any risk factors! But no, he still sent me for a colonoscopy. He said there is a gold standard for screening, and rather than do an alternate option and have to follow it up later, you may as well just go for the gold standard.
Shannon says
Hi! It is fascinating that this option is out there. A couple of facts with noting – this test is NOT approved by the FDA. and a REMINDER that there is no co-pay or deductible for a screening mammogram. This test comes with significant out of pocket costs.
Rita says
Praying for all women (and men) going through breast cancer. In the last year I have had 2 work colleagues diagnosed with breast cancer. Women must advocate for our health and insist on tests (easier in Australia as we don’t have to wait for insurance companies to approve). I also would like to note Ovarian cancer awareness, there is no early detection test available and unfortunately when the majority of women are diagnosed it is often at Stage 3 or 4. I am 56 and at 42 was diagnosed with an ovarian tumour, that was becoming cancerous. I had no symptoms, except for a twinge in my groin when I would lie down at night in bed. Thank God for my wonderful GP who ordered an internal ultrasound and they found the tumour.
Mix and Match Mama says
YES!! Thank YOU for speaking out on ovarian cancer. Sending you so much love today. xx
shannon says
OOOh Interesting. My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer last year. She’s doing well now and has just a few treatments left. But, luckily, they caught it so early. She had delayed her screening mammogram and learned just how important they are! Please also remind your readers there is NO co-pay or deductible for screening mammograms.
This test is NOT FDA-approved, AND it has significant out-of-pocket costs.
ending wishes for good health to everyone!