Patient's Query
Hello doctor,
I am 43 and have just been diagnosed with HER2-negative breast cancer. My mother died from breast cancer, so I am terrified. They say it is an early stage, but I am still scared. Please answer a few of my questions:
What does HER2-negative mean for my prognosis?
I am worried about my daughter. Should she get genetic testing?
What are my treatment options?
Will I need chemotherapy?
Are there any new targeted therapies for HER2-negative cancer?
Also, what is the likelihood of recurrence?
I am scared of losing my hair and being sick around my daughter. I want to be around to see my daughter grow up. And how can we know early if she might get something like this?
Kindly help.
Hello,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I read your query and can understand your concern.
HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) is better than HER2-neu-positive breast cancers. As you mentioned, the stage is early, so it usually has an excellent prognosis. If a HER2 neu-negative breast cancer patient is hormone receptor-positive, then the prognosis is usually good, depending upon the stage.
The treatment of HER2-negative breast cancers will depend on the stage of cancer and the status of the hormones ER (estrogen receptor) and PR (progesterone receptor). Most patients may need chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation therapy. Hormone therapy is also needed, depending on the status of the hormones ER and PR.
HER2-negative patients will not receive Trastuzumab (monoclonal antibody), which is usually given for one year or more. Follow-up is needed after the completion of treatment every three months for two years and then every six months. As your age is less than 50, I would suggest you undergo BRCA (breast cancer) genetic testing. In case it is positive, your daughter, sister, etc., needs to go for genetic testing and screening as well.
The recurrence rate is very low in early-stage HER2/neu and hormone-positive breast cancers. Most of the chemotherapy-induced side effects and complications are usually manageable.
I hope I have answered your question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.
Was this conversation helpful?
Answered byDr. Arshad Hussain Shah
Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.