Do I need chemo for HR-positive, HER2-negative BC at 42?

Question

Hello doctor,

I just got diagnosed with HR-positive or HER2-negative breast cancer. I am 42 years old. I am terrified.

What does this diagnosis mean exactly?
What are my treatment options?
Will I need chemotherapy?
Can I still work?
How do I tell my kids?
I am so scared of dying and leaving them. My mother had breast cancer, too, but she was older. Is this genetic
Should my sister get tested?

I am just so overwhelmed right now.

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Usually, HR (hormone receptor) - positive breast cancers are better than HR-negative breast cancers, as HR-positive breast cancers tend to grow slowly compared to HR-negative breast cancers, and these types of cancers are less aggressive.

HR-positive or HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) neu breast cancers are sometimes called luminal A breast cancers. As they need less aggressive treatment, sometimes, if diagnosed at an early stage, only surgery and hormonal treatment are needed, and they have an excellent prognosis.

Hormonal therapy like Tamoxifen (antiestrogens) blocks the effects of estrogen on hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cells by attaching to the estrogen receptors on the cells. If Tamoxifen is attached to the receptor, estrogen cannot attach to the cancer cell, and the cell does not receive estrogen's signals to grow and multiply.

The survival of patients with this type of cancer depends upon the stage and molecular profile of the patient. In the early stage or up to stage 3, this type of cancer is curable in most cases with proper treatment.

Even in stage 4 cancer, treatment can be effective in many cases, extending life and improving quality of life.

After you complete your treatment, you can resume your job. You will need to follow up regularly and follow the advice of your oncologist.

I would suggest you go for BRCA (breast cancer) genetic testing. If it is positive, then other members of your family will also need to go for genetic screening testing.

Kindly consult a physician, discuss with them, and start taking the medications with their consent.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.