Hormone Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer
About 80% of all breast cancers are “ER-positive.” That means the cancer cells grow in response to the hormone estrogen. About 65% of these are also “PR-positive.” They grow in response to another hormone, progesterone.
If your breast cancer has a significant number of receptors for either estrogen or progesterone, it’s considered hormone-receptor positive.
Tumors that are ER/PR-positive are much more likely to respond to hormone therapy than tumors that are ER/PR-negative.
You may have hormone therapy after surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are finished. These treatments can help prevent a return of the disease by blocking the effects of estrogen. They do this in one of several ways.
In about 20% of breast cancers, the cells make too much of a protein known as HER2.These cancers tend to be aggressive and fast-growing.
For women with HER2-positive breast cancers, the targeted drug trastuzumab (Herceptin) has been shown to dramatically reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. It‘s standard treatment to give this medication along with chemotherapy after surgery to people with breast cancer that’s spread to other areas. It can also be used for early-stage breast cancer. But there is a small but real risk of heart damage and possible lung damage.
There are several other targeted therapies sometimes used in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer. These include:
Some breast cancers — between 10% and 20% — are known as “triple negative” because they don’t have estrogen and progesterone receptors and don’t overexpress the HER2 protein. Many breast cancers associated with the gene BRCA1 are triple negative. They are often treated with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
About Us
Our Mission:
To provide comprehensive, evidence-based, and patient-centered care to those navigating the breast cancer journey. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in treatment, or in recovery, we’re here to walk with you every step of the way
Our platform is more than a service—it’s a community of survivors, caregivers, doctors, and advocates, all united to help you heal and thrive.
We believe in the power of connection, care, and cutting-edge medicine. Online Consultations with experienced oncologists and breast cancer specialists
News & Blogs
Stage 1 is the earliest stage of invasive breast cancer, meaning the cancer has started spreading from its original location into nearby, healthy breast tissue.
Stage 1 is divided into two subcategories: Stage 1A and Stage 1B.
Stage 2 breast cancer means the cancer is growing, but it’s still confined to the breast or nearby lymph nodes. Like Stage 1, it has two subcategories: Stage 2A and Stage 2B.
Stage 3 breast cancer is considered more advanced. It means the cancer has spread more extensively within the breast and nearby lymph nodes but not to distant parts of the body. It’s broken down into Stage 3A, 3B, and 3C.
Stage 4 breast cancer, also known as metastatic breast cancer, means the cancer has spread far beyond the breast and nearby lymph nodes to other parts of the body.
Common areas where breast cancer spreads include:
According to a 2017 study, bone metastasis was the most common (seen in about 65% of cases), followed by the lungs (31%), liver (26%), and brain (9%). About one-third of patients had cancer spread to multiple organs.
depend on where the cancer has spread, but general signs may include:
Understanding Breast Cancer
Breast cancer happens when cells in the breast begin to grow abnormally. These cells can multiply quickly, forming a lump or mass. Early signs may include a noticeable lump, changes in skin color or texture, or other unusual changes in the breast.
Most breast cancers start in either the milk-producing glands (lobules) or the ducts that carry milk to the nipple. However, cancer can also develop in the fatty or connective tissue within the breast.
As the cancer grows, it may spread into nearby healthy tissue and reach the lymph nodes under the arms. Once it enters the lymphatic system, it can travel to other parts of the body.
While breast cancer is much more common in women, men can also develop it — though it’s rare, since men have a small amount of breast tissue too.
In the early stages, breast cancer may not cause any obvious symptoms. Sometimes, a tumor is too small to feel but may still show up on a mammogram.
When symptoms do appear, the most common one is a new lump in the breast. Keep in mind, though, that not all lumps are cancerous.
Here are some signs to watch for:
It’s important to remember that many of these symptoms can be caused by non-cancerous conditions, such as cysts or infections. Still, if you notice any unusual changes in your breasts, it’s a good idea to see a doctor for evaluation and possible testing.