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MBC is breast cancer that has spread to other areas of the body. It’s a lifelong disease, and treatment can be an ongoing reality that doesn’t go away for most people with MBC.
Understanding your diagnosis can help you feel more confident facing the realities of what comes next. Part of that is learning the “type” of MBC and what your subtype means for treating and living with this cancer.
About TNBC
Unlike other breast cancers, TNBC is most commonly classified by what’s not there. TNBC cancer cells don’t have hormone receptors and have a low amount or no HER2. Because the disease lacks these receptors, treatment options can be limited.
How is TNBC different from other subtypes?
TNBC is more frequently diagnosed in women younger than 40, and it’s more common in Black and Hispanic women and those with a BRCA1 mutation. TNBC is also called an “aggressive” cancer, which means it has a higher chance of becoming metastatic than other types of breast cancer. For anyone, living with metastatic TNBC can feel daunting.
Chemotherapy is common for the treatment of metastatic TNBC, but not always the only option. Medical advances have made other options available, and a number of treatments are being studied specifically for TNBC right now, which means clinical trials may be an option. It’s important to talk to your doctor about what is right for you.
The weight of diagnosis
About 15-20% of all breast cancer cases are triple-negative, and the emotional weight of a metastatic TNBC diagnosis can be isolating. Talking to your care team about your options and maintaining open communication with them can help ease the burden.
Living with metastatic TNBC means living with a whole new reality for you, and for friends and family. Some people may find it uncomfortable to discuss these challenges openly, especially in communities where cancer is associated with stigma. Finding other women living with this diagnosis can be comforting and empowering, and hearing their stories – including their challenges and successes – could help you feel less alone.
We’ve created several resources specifically for women with TNBC.
