Types & Stages

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Types & Stages

Chapter: 5 - Types & Stages

Subchapter: 6 - Triple Negative Breast Cancer

In Subchapter 3.1, “Growth of Cancer”, we discussed the role of receptors in cancer cells. Doctors seek to determine what causes certain types of cancer to progress by identifying its “receptors”. These receptors function like mouths: when open, the cancer cells feed and rapidly grow.

Triple Negative Breast Cancer tumors lack receptors for any of three bodily chemicals: estrogen, progesterone, and the HER2/neu gene. There are still effective treatments for it, such as chemotherapy, but doctors are not sure what stimulates this type of tumor to grow.

Women with a family history of breast cancer, specifically with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 breast gene mutation, are more at risk for developing Triple Negative Breast Cancer.

Related Questions

  • Er- , pr- , HER2- is that bad?

    Asked by anonymous

    Learning About Breast Cancer
    about 1 year ago 3 answers •
    • anonymous
      Stage 2B Patient

      Me too just finished chemo I start start radiation June 4th...... Call on Jesus all things are possible !! Good luck in your journey !!

      Comment
    • anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      Me too exactly a year ago! Locally advanced to lymph and maybe in liver but I am doing awesome now !!! That HER -2 - its like adding fuel to a fire.We are very lucky they discovered Herceptin for the HER-2. It's a life saver !!!! I have to take it all year long every 3 weeks with all the other...

      more

      Me too exactly a year ago! Locally advanced to lymph and maybe in liver but I am doing awesome now !!! That HER -2 - its like adding fuel to a fire.We are very lucky they discovered Herceptin for the HER-2. It's a life saver !!!! I have to take it all year long every 3 weeks with all the other treatments. Chemo, rads and surgery. Get ready for the ride of your life. I wish you all the best in your treatment and will pray and meditate for you!

      Comment

  • Is anyone else positive BRCA1? I got my genetics results and it was positive! I'm feeling very discouraged.

    Asked by anonymous

    Stage 2B Patient
    about 1 year ago 2 answers •
    • Missing
      anonymous
      Learning About Breast Cancer

      I recently found out that I was BRCA positive. I was disappointed scared and cried for a week. I had a complete hysterectomy using the da Vinci robot four weeks ago. I feel great and I recommend the surgery. I still have a lot of decisions to make. I am considering taking tamoxifen. The...

      more

      I recently found out that I was BRCA positive. I was disappointed scared and cried for a week. I had a complete hysterectomy using the da Vinci robot four weeks ago. I feel great and I recommend the surgery. I still have a lot of decisions to make. I am considering taking tamoxifen. The bilateral vasectomy is still overwhelming.

      1 comment
    • anonymous
      Survivor since 2010

      I am positive for BRCA2. It was hard news to hear - I completely understand. But think of it this way - if you have already been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, you now know exactly why it happened. Most women never know what caused their cancer. Whether you have or haven't developed...

      more

      I am positive for BRCA2. It was hard news to hear - I completely understand. But think of it this way - if you have already been diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, you now know exactly why it happened. Most women never know what caused their cancer. Whether you have or haven't developed cancer at this point, you will face some hard choices ahead - BUT, you now have the gift of very empowering information that can help you and your doctor make potentially life-saving decisions regarding preventive surgery and/or surveillance options. And if you choose to share your genetic testing results, you are giving that gift of potentially life-saving information for your family members. 4 of my relatives have tested positive since my diagnosis and are all taking action to reduce their future risks. Had I not had the testing, they would not have known how high their risks were. Bless you during this difficult time - I know it is VERY hard!

      Comment
  • Missing

    What is the difference if BRCA1 or BRCA2 is identified as the mutation?

    Asked by anonymous

    Learning About Breast Cancer
    over 1 year ago Answer •

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