Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)
What is Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC)?
Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) is a type of breast cancer that lacks three particular receptor proteins: estrogen, progesterone, and HER2. It tends to occur most often in younger women who are most likely to be African American or Hispanic, and the tumors tend to be more aggressive than other types of breast cancer. This means they grow and spread faster, although the overall survival rate is similar to other types of breast cancer.
What are the Risk Factors of Triple Negative Breast Cancer?
Although the exact cause of Triple Negative Breast Cancer is not fully understood, certain risk factors may increase the chances of developing the disease. These include:
- Age: Women over the age of 40 are more likely to be diagnosed with TNBC compared to younger women.
- Ethnicity: African-American women and Hispanic women are more likely to be diagnosed with this form of breast cancer.
- BRCA mutation: Women who carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation are more likely to develop TNBC.
- Family history: Women with a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer are also more likely to develop TNBC.
What are the Symptoms of Triple Negative Breast Cancer?
The symptoms of Triple Negative Breast Cancer vary from person to person. Common symptoms can include:
- A lump or thickening in the breast or underarm area that does not go away.
- Changes in the size, shape or feel of the breast.
- Changes to the skin of the breast such as dimpling or redness.
- Discharge from the nipple, especially if it is bloody or discolored.
- Pain, swelling or tenderness in the breast or armpit area.
How is Triple Negative Breast Cancer Diagnosed?
Triple Negative Breast Cancer is usually diagnosed through a combination of physical exam, imaging tests, and laboratory tests. The imaging tests may include mammogram, ultrasound, and MRI. The laboratory tests typically include tissue biopsy which is then tested for the presence of certain proteins that are not found in Triple Negative Breast Cancer.
How is Triple Negative Breast Cancer Treated?
Treatment for Triple Negative Breast Cancer may include some combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy. In addition to these treatments, there are also clinical trials that explore new treatments and may offer access to additional therapies.