How is HER2 Negative Breast Cancer Treated?
How is HER2 Negative Breast Cancer Treated?Breast cancer comes in many types and the treatment can vary. For HER2 negative breast cancer doctors have several ways to fight it. They look at your health and decide the best plan for you. Each person may get a different mix of treatments.
Many people with this kind of breast cancer will have surgery first. The goal is to remove as much of the tumor as possible. After surgery other treatments like chemo or radiation might be used to kill any remaining cancer cells.
Some patients might take hormone therapy if their cancer responds to hormones. This can help stop the cancer from coming back. It’s important to talk with your doctor about what treatment fits your needs best.
Surgery
Surgery is often the first step in treating HER2 negative breast cancer. The main goal is to remove the cancer from the breast. There are a few types of surgery that doctors might use. They may take out just the tumor or sometimes all of the breast.
The type of surgery you get depends on your case. If they find cancer early you might have a smaller surgery. This can save more of your breast and make recovery faster. Your doctor will tell you what kind is right for you.
After surgery it’s normal to feel tired and need rest. You’ll have follow-up visits so doctors can check how well you’re healing. They will also talk about any further treatment needed like chemo or radiation therapy.
Some people worry about how their breasts will look after surgery. There are options to rebuild the shape of your breast if this concerns you. It’s important to discuss these with your doctor before making any decisions.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy uses strong drugs to kill breast cancer cells. It’s a common way to treat HER2 negative breast cancer after surgery. The medication travels through your body and targets fast-growing cancer cells. This type of treatment can also destroy hidden cancer.
Doctors choose chemo based on the person’s health and cancer stage. Some people may get it before surgery to shrink the tumor. Others might have it afterward to clean up any left-behind cells. Your doctor will plan the best time for you.
Chemo sessions happen over weeks or months depending on your needs. During this time side effects like tiredness or hair loss can occur. But not everyone feels these in the same way so talk with your doctor about what to expect.
Your care team stays close by during chemotherapy treatments for support and help with any issues that come up. They work hard to make sure you’re as comfortable as possible while getting chemo for HER2 negative breast cancer.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy aims to kill breast cancer cells with high-energy rays. It’s often used after surgery for HER2 negative breast cancer. The therapy focuses on the area where the tumor was to clean up any cells left behind.
Treatment is usually five days a week for several weeks. Each session lasts just a few minutes but the setup takes longer. Your team will mark your skin to aim the radiation right at where it needs to go.
The side effects of radiation can include red or tender skin in treated areas. Most people can still do their normal activities during this time. Always let your doctor know how you are feeling as you go through treatment sessions.
Hormone Therapy
Hormone therapy is used for certain types of HER2 negative breast cancer. It targets cancers that grow in response to hormones like estrogen or progesterone. Medications or surgery can block these hormones and slow down the cancer’s growth.
This treatment is often given as a pill you take every day. Some people may get it through shots or under their skin with an implant. The treatment might last for several years to keep the cancer from coming back.
Doctors will test your tumor to see if hormone therapy is right for you. If your tumor has hormone receptors this means the therapy could be effective. Not all HER2 negative breast cancers will benefit from this approach though.
Side effects can include hot flashes, joint pain, and sometimes feeling very tired. Many of these are similar to menopause symptoms because of the changes in hormone levels but they usually improve over time.
Your doctor will watch closely how well the hormone therapy works during follow-ups. They use exams and maybe scans to check on the progress against breast cancer.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy is a newer form of treatment for HER2 negative breast cancer. It uses drugs designed to attack specific parts of cancer cells. These medicines are not like chemo because they aim just at the cancer and not all fast-growing cells.
One type blocks substances that help tumors grow blood vessels. Without these the tumor can’t get bigger or spread as easily. This kind of targeted treatment can be very helpful for some people with breast cancer.
Another type works by changing how hormones affect the cancer cells. Even though it’s called hormone therapy it’s different because it targets only the cancer cells’ hormone receptors. This makes them stop growing and often die off.
Doctors may use targeted therapies alongside other treatments like chemo or surgery. They check your health and your type of breast cancer before starting this kind of medication.
Side effects from targeted therapies can vary a lot between patients. Some might have high blood pressure or tiredness; others could feel sick to their stomachs or develop rashes on their skin but these tend to be less severe than those from chemotherapy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is HER2 negative breast cancer?
HER2 negative means the cancer doesn't have high levels of a protein that makes cells grow. This type can respond to different treatments than those that are HER2 positive.
Can surgery cure HER2 negative breast cancer?
Surgery aims to remove as much of the cancer as possible. It's often part of a treatment plan and may be combined with other therapies for better results.
Are there side effects to hormone therapy for breast cancer?
Yes some people might get hot flashes or joint pain from these medications. The side effects are usually not permanent and often get better over time.
The answers provided here are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice.
