Hormone-sensitive breast cancer cells consist of proteins called hormone receptors (estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR)). These proteins are activated when hormones bind. Activated receptors can cause changes in the expression of specific genes and stimulate cell growth.
To determine if breast cancer cells contain hormone receptors, doctors analyze a sample of tumor tissue. When tumor cells have estrogen receptors, the cancer is estrogen receptor-positive (ER-positive) or estrogen-sensitive. Similarly, if the tumor cells contain progesterone receptors, the cancer is progesterone receptor-positive (PR or PgR positive).
The frequency of ER-positive is more than PR-positive. According to a study, it is about 80% of all cancers. In this article, I will discuss the Hormone Sensitive Breast Cancer Prognosis.
Introduction
In breast cancer, hormone receptors are proteins located in and around the cells of the breast. These receptors signal and grow both healthy and cancerous cells. In breast cancer, hormone receptors indicate that the cancer cells grow out of control and develop tumors.
Estrogen receptors are the most common. Hormone receptors can interact with estrogen or progesterone. This is why ER positivity is the most common form of breast cancer.
Some people have been diagnosed with progesterone receptor-positive (PR-positive) breast cancer. The main difference is whether cancer cells receive growth signals from estrogen or progesterone.
Hormone receptor testing is essential in the treatment of breast cancer. In some cases, hormone therapy is not an appropriate treatment option due to the absence of hormone receptors. This is called hormone receptor-negative breast cancer. For more information visit this site: lasenorita
The Prognosis for Each Stage of Cancer
How well you are performing based on the stage of your cancer when it is discovered. Cancer is a gradual process that starts at 0 and progresses to 4.
Stage 0 is the beginning, and stage 4 is the final stage, also known as the transition stage. This is because cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Each number reflects different characteristics of breast cancer. This includes the tumor size and whether cancer has spread to distant lymph nodes or organs such as the lungs, bones, or brain. Cancer subtypes do not play a role in stages but only in treatment decisions.
With treatment, most women with very early breast cancer of any subtype can expect average life expectancy.
The survival rate depends on the number of people who have lived for many years since they were first diagnosed. Survival at 5 and 10 years is often reported. According to reliable sources, the 5-year survival rates are:
- Stage 0: 100%
- Stage 1: 100%
- Stage 2: 93%
- Stage 3: 72%
- Stage 4 (Transition Stage): 22%
Symptoms of Hormone Sensitive Breast Cancer
- Skin rashes and dimpling
- Nipple secretion
- Breast swelling
- Breast and nipple pain
- Thickness or redness of nipple or breast skin
- Changes in breast shape
If you notice any of the above symptoms, immediately consult an Endocrinologist in Karachi.
Diagnosis
If the doctor suspects breast cancer, he will do a biopsy to look for cancer cells. If cancer is present, doctors also test the cells for properties, such as which receptors are on the surface of the cancer cells.
The results of this test are significant in deciding how to treat. The treatment options available are highly dependent on test results.
In ER or PR-positive breast cancer, cancer cells grow in the hormone estrogen or progesterone, respectively. These hormones occur naturally in the body. Drugs that block their ability to promote the growth of cancer cells are used to treat hormone-sensitive breast cancer.
Risk Factors
Sex
Breast cancer is more common in females as compared to males.
Age
As a persona get old, there are more chances of having a breast cancer
More exposure to hormones
Women who start menstruating early, reach menopause, and have no children may be at increased risk. It is due to their prolonged exposure to estrogen and progesterone.
Hormone treatment
The use of hormone therapy may increase the risk of this type of cancer. Such as relieving the symptoms of menopause.
Other factors
High body mass index (BMI) at an early age
- Alcohol consumption
- Lack of physical activity
- Obesity after menopause
Treatment
Treatment of hormone-sensitive breast cancer aims to reduce estrogen or progesterone levels in the body. Or prevent these hormones from stimulating the growth of breast cancer cells.
The choice of treatment depends on many factors, including:
- Stage of cancer
- If it is widespread, how far
- Types of breast cancer
If the cancer is ER or PR positive, doctors may recommend hormone therapy as part of the treatment plan.
If there are no signs of hormone involvement, the cancer hormone receptor will be negative. Doctors suggest alternative treatment approaches because it does not respond to hormone therapy.
You can consult an Endocrinologist in Karachi to get expert advice.
Different Types of Hormone therapy
- Luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonist
- Aromatase Inhibitors
- SERM-Selective Estrogen Receptor Response Modulators
- ERD-Estrogen receptor downregulation
You should consult an Endocrinologist regularly. It will ensure that your body is working correctly. If you go for a checkup regularly, your doctor may diagnose a life-threatening disease on time. You can get more chances of successful treatment in such cases.
If you find it difficult to find and consult a specialist, you can book an appointment with an Endocrinologist through Marham.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1- What percentage of breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive?
About 70-80 percent of breast cancers are hormone receptor-positive.
2- What is the success ratio of hormone therapy?
The patient treated with Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) showed 100% survival at six years compared to 87% of patients who didn’t take HRT.
3- Is it better to make hormone receptors positive or negative?
Hormone receptor-positive cancers tend to grow slower than hormone receptor-negative cancers. Women with hormone receptor-positive cancers tend to have a better short-term prognosis. But these cancers may recur years after treatment.
4- Does hormone-sensitive cancer need chemotherapy?
In most cases, it has a good prognosis with hormone therapy alone. It rarely needs chemotherapy.
