Not all breast cancer cases are the same.
HER2 is a protein that exists on the surface of all breast cells.
It supports normal cell growth and repair.
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Very high levels of HER2 can lead to HER2-positive breast cancer.
Breast cells in HER2-negative breast cancer have little HER2 protein.
Some treatments target the HER2 receptors.
While these treatments can fight HER2-positive cancer, they would be useless against HER2-negative cancer.
This article describes the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatments related to HER2-negative cancer.
HER2-positive breast cancer cells can have up to 100 times more receptors than HER2-negative or normal breast cells.
HER2-positive breast cancer accounts for between 15% and 30% of breast cancer diagnoses.
Types of HER2-Negative Breast Cancer
There are two subtypes of HER2-negative breast cancer.
They are defined by the status of biomarkers forhormone receptors (HR)for estrogen and progesterone.
HER2-negative, HR-positive breast cancer:This is the most common subtype of breast cancer.
When estrogen and progesterone bind to these receptors, these tumors grow.
HER2-negative, HR-negative breast cancer:This is a less common subtype of HR2-negative breast cancer.
It is also calledtriple-negative breast cancer.
Causes
The exact causes of breast cancer are unknown.
Genetics, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors can contribute to your risk of developing breast cancer.
Up to 10% of breast cancers are because of hereditary gene defects passed from parent to child.
The HER2 gene is not among the abnormal genes associated with inherited types of breast cancer.
HER2-negative breast cancer takes place if breast cells have little to no HER2 protein.
Diagnosis
A diagnosis of HER2-negative breast cancer is usually made secondary to a diagnosis of breast cancer.
The jot down of test used to confirm a breast cancer diagnosis depends on your symptoms.
Some treatments target the HER2 protein.
While they are useful in treating HER2-positive breast cancer, they are not effective in treating HER2-negative breast cancer.
The treatment most appropriate for HER2-negative breast cancer often depends on HR status.
Treatment for HER2-negative breast cancer often starts with surgical removal of the tumor.
The best survival rates are reported among women with HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer.
The lowest survival rates are reported among those with HR negative/HER2-negative (triple-negative) subtypes of breast cancer.
It’s essential to recognize that you must address both aspects of care to heal.
This can include assistance with tasks ranging from daily household chores to financial assistance with medical expenses.
Emotional changes may make you feel lonely, depressed, and overwhelmed by your condition.
Reach out for support from family and friends who are willing to help.
Consider joining a breast cancer support group to connect with people dealing with similar challenges.
Generally, take time to care for yourself.
These strategies can help you position your body and mind for optimal treatment outcomes.
Summary
Knowing the HER2 status of your breast cancer is key because some treatments target HER2 receptors.
Treatments that target HER2 receptors do not affect HER2-negative breast cancers.
As the cancer spreads without being treated, average survival rates fall.
If you qualify, you may benefit from joining a clinical trial.
Doing so can give you early access to promising drugs, treatments, or procedures as safely as possible.
Hormonal therapy treats tumors that test positive for hormone receptors that fuel their growth.
This includes tumors classified as HER2-negative, HR-positive, the most common jot down of breast cancer.
Hormone therapy is usually advised after surgery to lower the risk of cancer recurring.
Breast cancers may switch HER2 status, affecting the punch in of treatment that is most appropriate.
National Cancer Institute.Cancer stat facts: female breast cancer subtypes.
Penn Medicine.Triple negative breast cancer.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Breast cancer: what are the symptoms?
American Cancer Society.Breast cancer HER2 status.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How is breast cancer diagnosed?
Breastcancer.org.IHC (immunohistochemistry) tests.
American Cancer Society.Surgery for Breast Cancer.
American Cancer Society.Hormone Therapy for Breast Cancer.
American Cancer Society.Targeted drug therapy for breast cancer.
American Cancer Society.Coping and living well during cancer treatment.
