is called hormone receptor-positive if
at least 1% of the cells tested have estrogen
and/or progesterone receptors.
About 2 out of 3 breast cancers have
at least one of these receptors.
Hormonal therapy may be
given before or after
surgery. Neoadjuvant
hormonal therapy
(before surgery) is
used to shrink a
tumor and to make
surgery easier.
Adjuvant hormonal
therapy (after surgery)
may be given in
Information
and Tools about
Treatment, Support,
Clinical Trials & more can
be found on the American
Cancer Society website:
www.cancer.org/
treatment
an effort to reduce the
risk of recurrence.
HER2 STATUS
All breast cells contain a growth-promoting
protein known as HER2 (human
epidermal growth factor receptor
2). Breast cancer cells with higher
than normal levels of this protein are
called HER2-positive. These tend to
grow and spread faster than other
cancers. A number of drugs on the
market target the HER2 protein. It is
important for you and your care team
to know your HER2 Status to help
plan your strategy for therapy.
STAY INFORMED
Each patient is unique, so
oncologists will often
take a multi-pronged
approach, utilizing chemotherapy
along with
one or more targeted
therapies. Breast
cancer treatment is
a complicated topic
and researchers are
learning more all the
time. Part of this learning
curve includes clinical trials
which may offer even more treatment
options to you.
It is important to communicate clearly
and thoroughly with your oncologist
and the rest of your care team. Ask
questions, take notes, record your
visits and consultations on your
smartphone. Stay curious about new
research and opportunities; education
is a key part of being your own
advocate.
2018 Real Men Wear Pink
of Pinellas FL
Where: Vinoy Park, St. Pete
When: Oct 13, 2018
thinkPINK
2018 Making Strides of Pinellas
Presented by Raymond James FL
Where: Vinoy Park, St. Pete
When: Oct 20, 2018
October is Breast Cancer
Awareness Month
Get involved in an event near you:
COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE DIGEST • OCT–DEC 2018 | WWW.CHDIGEST.COM 13
/treatment
/WWW.CHDIGEST.COM