HER2-negative breast cancers, in contrast, have normal levels of the HER2 protein.
This throw in of cancer accounts for around 70% of all breast cancer cases.
Breast Lump
The most common first symptom of breast cancer is a new breast lump.
Jelena Stanojkovic / Getty Images
It can be located near the surface of the breast or felt deeper inside.
Breast cancer lumps can also be soft, round, and tender to the touch.
Due to the variation, it’s essential to get any breast lump evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Noncancerous Breast Lumps
Noncancerous breast lumpsare harmless growths.
The primary treatment methods for HER2-negative breast cancer include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.
This is recommended for people of any sex.
While breast cancer happens less often in males than in females,it does occur.
Some people with breast cancer experience no symptoms, which is why screening is essential for some populations.
Screening is intended for people with no symptoms of breast cancer and is not used when seeking a diagnosis.
Guidelines on when to start and how often to get screened vary a bit.
Screening is not recommended for men at average risk.
What Is a Mammogram?
Amammogramis an X-ray picture of the breast.
It can reveal abnormal areas, including cancer, in the breast before they are felt or visible.
HER2-positive breast cancers have higher than normal levels of HER2, whereas HER2-negative breast cancers do not.
HER2-negative breast cancer causes symptoms (if present) like other kinds of breast cancer.
The most common first symptom is a firm, painless breast lump.
When minimizing your risk for breast cancer, focus your efforts on living a healthy lifestyle.
Frequently Asked Questions
If not treated, breast cancer becomes fatal.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States.
“Invasive” means that the cancer cells have started growing into the surrounding breast tissue.
Since these drugs target the protein HER2, they are not used to treat HER2-negative breast cancers.
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