Hormone Positive Breast Cancer

Who is at Risk?

While the exact cause is not known, certain factors may increase the risk of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer:

• Age – Most common in women over 50.

• Genetic Factors – Family history of breast cancer may increase risk.

• Lifestyle Factors – Alcohol consumption, hormone replacement therapy, and obesity may contribute.

How is Hormone-Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

Diagnosing hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer involves a series of steps:

1. Breast Examination – Your healthcare provider will check for lumps or other changes.

2. Imaging Tests – Mammograms, ultrasounds, CTs or MRIs provide detailed images of the breast tissue.

3. Biopsy – A tissue sample is taken and tested to identify hormone receptor status, confirming whether cancer cells are estrogen and/or progesterone receptor-positive.

Treatment Options for Hormone-Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer

Treatment for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer typically combines hormone therapy with other methods like surgery, radiation, and/or chemotherapy. The specifics depend on the stage and unique characteristics of the cancer.

1. Hormone Therapy

• Tamoxifen – Blocks estrogen receptors on cancer cells, preventing estrogen from promoting growth.

• Aromatase Inhibitors (AIs) – Lowers estrogen levels in postmenopausal women by blocking estrogen production. Common AIs include anastrozole, letrozole, and exemestane.

• Ovarian Suppression – For premenopausal women, this method reduces estrogen production by suppressing ovarian function, often using medications or surgery.

2. Surgery

• Lumpectomy – Removes only the tumor and a small margin of surrounding tissue.

• Mastectomy – Removes one or both breasts to treat more extensive cancer.

• Lymph Node Removal – Checks for cancer spread in nearby lymph nodes.

3. Chemotherapy

• Sometimes used before surgery (neoadjuvant) to shrink tumors or after surgery (adjuvant) to prevent recurrence, especially in higher-stage hormone-receptor-positive cancers.

4. Radiation Therapy

• Often used after surgery to destroy remaining cancer cells in the breast or chest wall, reducing the risk of recurrence.

Managing Life with Hormone-Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer

Side Effects of Treatment: Side effects vary by treatment type and can include hot flashes, fatigue, joint pain, mood changes, and bone density loss. Speak with your healthcare team for strategies to manage these side effects.

Follow-up Care: Routine follow-up care with imaging and physical exams is essential. Ongoing hormone therapy may continue for several years to help prevent recurrence, and regular monitoring is key to addressing any issues that arise.

Lifestyle Support: Maintaining a balanced diet, staying physically active, and practicing stress relief can improve quality of life during and after treatment.

Support and Resources

Facing hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer can be overwhelming, but many resources are available:

• Support Groups – Connecting with others who have had similar experiences can provide valuable support.

• Cancer Support Services – Hospitals often offer counseling, physical therapy, and nutrition support.

• You will have a Breast Care Nurse as part of your journey through breast cancer treatment. Their role is to guide you through the maze of appointments and treatments, to be a source of emotional and physical support and your point of contact for questions and concerns now and in the future.