How can I handle my HER2-negative breast cancer and fear?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am a 53-year-old female. I heard about HR-positive or HER-2-negative breast cancer from my friend. Recently, I came to notice some swelling in my right breast. Now, I am afraid that I have acquired HR-positive or HER-2-negative breast cancer. I want to know what that is.

Is it a type of breast cancer or something else?
How can it be diagnosed and treated?
What are the lifestyle changes that can be followed to prevent the recurrence of this breast cancer after getting treatment for this condition?
What is the prognosis and life span of the affected person?
Can it pass genetically to her kids?

I would like to know more about this condition.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

You said that you have noticed a lump in your breast; it is common for women at this age to feel a lump in their breast. First, you need to go for a triple assessment (clinical examination of both breasts, radiological examination of the mammogram of both breasts, and histological examination (biopsy of the lump)).

For treatment, it depends on the type of cancer and the staging of the disease. It can be treated with breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy, depending on the investigation. If the tumor is HR-positive or HER2-negative, it has a good prognosis.

Treatment will be hormonal and chemotherapy to downstage the size of the tumor, followed by surgery. Of course, it is transmitted genetically and needs to be screened. Women less than 35 years of age need an ultrasound and clinical exams of the breasts every six months. Women older than 40 years old need yearly mammograms.

I hope this information will help you.

Thank you.