Breast cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in women, and it can be a frightening diagnosis. Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a particularly aggressive form of the disease, and it’s important to understand what it is and how it’s treated.
TNBC is a type of breast cancer that does not have receptors for the hormones estrogen and progesterone, or the protein HER2. This means that the cancer cells do not respond to hormone therapy or drugs that target HER2. As a result, TNBC is more difficult to treat than other types of breast cancer.
TNBC tends to be more aggressive than other types of breast cancer, and it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body. It is also more likely to recur after treatment.
The good news is that TNBC can be treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. Surgery is usually the first step in treating TNBC, and it may involve removing the entire breast or just the tumor. Chemotherapy is then used to kill any remaining cancer cells, and radiation is used to reduce the risk of recurrence.
It’s important to remember that TNBC is treatable, and there are many resources available to help those who have been diagnosed. Support groups, online resources, and medical professionals can all provide valuable information and support.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with TNBC, it’s important to seek out the best treatment options and to stay informed about the latest developments in the field. With the right treatment and support, it is possible to live a long and healthy life after a diagnosis of TNBC.