29/10/2024
Breast Cancer Subtypes
Breast cancer is categorized by receptor types. Receptors are proteins on cells that bind to substances like hormones (estrogen, progesterone). These hormones can fuel cancer cell growth.
Subtypes includes the following:
• ER-positive (ER+): Estrogen receptors on breast cancers.
• PR-positive (PR+): Here breast cancers have progesterone receptors.
• HR-positive (HR+): Both estrogen and progesterone receptors are on cancer cells.
• HR-negative (HR-) Here breast cancers have neither estrogen nor progesterone receptors.
• HER2-positive (HER2+): This is breast cancers which have higher than normal levels of the HER2 protein (they help cancer cells to grow). About 15% to 20% of all breast cancers are HER2-positive.
Breast Cancer Stages
Breast cancer staging helps doctors plan treatment. It's based on factors like tumor size, location, and whether cancer has spread. They include:
• Stage 0: Cancer is noninvasive, confined to breast ducts.
• Stage I: Cancer cells are in nearby breast tissue.
• Stage II: Cancer cells have formed tumors but haven't spread to lymph nodes.
• Stage III: Cancer has spread to nearby tissue and lymph nodes (locally advanced).
• Stage IV: Cancer has spread to distant areas like bones, liver, lungs, or brain.
Breast Cancer Treatment
Breast cancer treatment depends on the cancer type and how far it has spread. Doctors often combine treatments to prevent recurrence. These treatments may include:
• Surgery: Removing the tumor or the entire breast.
• Radiation Therapy: Reducing the risk of recurrence in the breast and surrounding tissues.
• Medication: Killing cancer cells and preventing spread. This can involve hormonal therapy, chemotherapy, or targeted biological therapy.
Early treatment is crucial for effectiveness and better tolerance. Hormone receptor-negative cancers, which don't respond to hormone therapy, often require chemotherapy, especially if the cancer is not very small. Modern chemotherapy regimens are effective and usually administered as outpatient treatment.
Surgery can remove the entire breast (mastectomy) or just the malignant tissue (lumpectomy). In order to determine whether the cancer has the potential to spread, surgery may also remove lymph nodes.
HER-2-positive cancers, which over express the HER-2/neu oncogene, can be treated with targeted biological agents like Trastuzumab, often in combination with chemotherapy.
Radiotherapy can play a significant role at various stages of breast cancer:
• Early-stage: Preventing the need for a mastectomy.
• Later-stage: Reducing recurrence risk after a mastectomy.
• Advanced-stage: Potentially improving survival outcomes in certain cases.
Managing Breast Cancer
Living with breast cancer can be tough, with days filled with overwhelming feelings. Here are some tips to help you navigate this journey:
• Prioritize Rest: Cancer treatments can be exhausting. Remember to rest when you need it, not just when you think you have time.
• Nourish Your Body: Even if your appetite is affected, eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can strengthen you.
• Manage Stress: Cancer is inherently stressful. Regular exercise, from simple walks to structured programs, can help alleviate stress.
• Seek Support: You're a survivor from the moment of diagnosis. Ask your healthcare provider about survivorship programs to help you manage the challenges of living with breast cancer.
Stay connected with your doctor. Contact your healthcare provider promptly if your symptoms worsen or you experience new ones like pain or weakness.
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