What does my aunt's HR+ or HER- breast cancer mean?

Question

Hello doctor,

How does breast cancer occur? I heard something about HR-positive and HER2-negative breast cancer. What does that mean? Is it related to how hormones affect the breast? My aunt had breast cancer, and she was HR-positive or HER2-negative. Does feeding the baby affect the chances of getting breast cancer?

My friend told me that women who breastfeed have less chance of having HER2-positive or HER2-negative breast cancer. Is it true? How common is HER2-positive or HER2-negative breast cancer? Does it mean the cancer is less aggressive? What are the risks if someone has HR-positive or HER2-negative breast cancer? I am really confused about how HR-positive or HER2-negative breast cancer develops.

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Factors that may increase the risk of breast cancer include:

A family history of breast cancer.
A personal history of breast cancer.
A personal history of breast conditions.
Beginning your period at a younger age.
Beginning menopause at an older age.
Dense breast tissue.
Drinking alcohol.

Regarding HR-positive and HER-2-negative, usually HR-positive breast cancers are better than HR-negative breast cancers, as hormone-positive breast cancers tend to grow slowly compared to hormone-negative ones, and these types of cancers are less aggressive.

HR-positive and HER2-negative are sometimes called luminal A breast cancers, as they need less aggressive treatment, such as only surgery and hormonal treatment, and they have an excellent prognosis. And, yes, breastfeeding decreases the risk of breast cancer.

Hope this information helps you.

Kindly follow up if you have more concerns.