Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsTypesSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrognosisCopingFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Types
Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Prognosis
Coping
Frequently Asked Questions
HER2-negativebreast cancer is a type of breast cancer that accounts for about 78% of all breast cancer cases.Its name describes the status of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, known as HER2, in the disease.
Not all breast cancer cases are the same. Testing for the HER2 protein helps define key aspects of your illness that affect the type of treatment you receive.
HER2 is a protein that exists on the surface of all breast cells. It supports normal cell growth and repair. Very high levels of HER2 can lead to HER2-positive breast cancer. Breast cells in HER2-negative breast cancer have little HER2 protein.
Some treatments target the HER2 receptors. While these treatments can fight HER2-positive cancer, they would be useless against HER2-negative cancer.
This article describes the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatments related to HER2-negative cancer.
Povozniuk / Getty Images
HER2 Receptors StatusHER2 receptors exist on both cancerous (malignant) and noncancerous (benign) breast cells. HER2-positive breast cancer cells can have up to 100 times more receptors than HER2-negative or normal breast cells. HER2-positive breast cancer accounts for between 15% and 30% of breast cancer diagnoses.
HER2 Receptors Status
HER2 receptors exist on both cancerous (malignant) and noncancerous (benign) breast cells. HER2-positive breast cancer cells can have up to 100 times more receptors than HER2-negative or normal breast cells. HER2-positive breast cancer accounts for between 15% and 30% of breast cancer diagnoses.
Types of HER2-Negative Breast Cancer
HER2-negative, HR-positive breast cancer:This is the most common subtype of breast cancer. It accounts for about 68% of female breast cancer cases.It includes tumors that have estrogen, progesterone, or both receptors. When estrogen and progesterone bind to these receptors, these tumors grow.
HER2-negative, HR-negative breast cancer:This is a less common subtype of HR2-negative breast cancer. It represents about 10% of female breast cancer cases.This type of breast cancer is negative for HER2, estrogen, and progesterone receptors. It is also calledtriple-negative breast cancer.
HER2-Negative to HR2-Positive Breast CancerOver time, some HER2-positive breast cancers can become HER2-negative, and some HER2-negative breast cancers can become HER2-positive. This can happen when cancer recurs, so a biopsy is often advised to retest HER2 status when cancer returns after treatment.
HER2-Negative to HR2-Positive Breast Cancer
Over time, some HER2-positive breast cancers can become HER2-negative, and some HER2-negative breast cancers can become HER2-positive. This can happen when cancer recurs, so a biopsy is often advised to retest HER2 status when cancer returns after treatment.
Understanding Your Breast Cancer Pathology Report
HER2-Negative Breast Cancer Symptoms
Symptoms of HER2-negative breast cancer don’t differ greatly from symptoms of other types of breast cancer.
Common physical signs and symptoms linked to all types of breast cancer include:
While these symptoms can occur with all types of breast cancer, they can also be related tononcancerous breast conditions. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms of breast cancer so you can get an accurate diagnosis as early as possible.
Once diagnosed, HER2-negative breast cancer tends to grow slower, spread less easily, and recur less often than HER2-positive breast cancer.
Breast Cancer Signs and Symptoms
The exact causes of breast cancer are unknown. Genetics, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors can contribute to your risk of developing breast cancer.
The HER2 gene is not among the abnormal genes associated with inherited types of breast cancer.
Having a close relative with a certain type of HER2 breast cancer increases your risk of developing breast cancer, but doesn’t affect your risk of having the same type of HER2 breast cancer. HER2-negative breast cancer occurs when breast cells have little to no HER2 protein.
Causes and Risk Factors of Breast Cancer
A diagnosis of HER2-negative breast cancer is usually made secondary to a diagnosis of breast cancer.
The type of test used to confirm a breast cancer diagnosis depends on your symptoms. The most common techniques for diagnosing breast cancer include:
When breast cancer is confirmed, your healthcare provider will use one of the following tests on a sample of breast tissue removed during a biopsy to identify the HER2 status of your disease:
Identifying the HER2 status of your breast cancer diagnosis is a key factor in determining the most appropriate treatment for your disease. Some treatments target the HER2 protein. While they are useful in treating HER2-positive breast cancer, they are not effective in treating HER2-negative breast cancer.
The treatment most appropriate for HER2-negative breast cancer often depends on HR status. Other considerations include factors such as your disease stage, whether your cancer has spread (metastasized), and your menopause status.
Treatment for HER2-negative breast cancer often starts with surgical removal of the tumor. This can involve one of the following techniques:
In HER2-negative, HR-positive cancer, hormonal therapy is often used to block hormones from fueling cancer growth. These treatments include:
Treatment for HER2-negative breast cancer may also includetargeted therapies, which targets the specific genes, proteins, or tissue environments that contribute to cancer growth. Options include one or more of the following treatments:
Depending on individual factors, treatment may also include:
How Breast Cancer Is Treated
The prognosis for HER2-negative breast cancer varies according to factors specific to your disease and overall condition.
The best survival rates are reported among women with HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer. The lowest survival rates are reported among those with HR negative/HER2-negative (triple-negative) subtypes of breast cancer.
According to the National Cancer Institute, the most important factor in determining survival outcomes may be the stage at diagnosis.The stage at diagnosis is defined as one of the following categories:
If you have HER2-negative, HR-positive breast cancer, the relative survival rate for five years, based on the stage of cancer at diagnosis, is estimated at:
For HER2-negative, HR-negative breast cancer, the five-year relative survival rate is:
Coping with any type of breast cancer involves caring for your physical and emotional needs. It’s essential to recognize that you must address both aspects of care to heal.
Generally, take time to care for yourself. This can involve actions like meditation, prayer, or other types of relaxation techniques. Change your diet to include eating healthy, and take time out to exercise. These strategies can help you position your body and mind for optimal treatment outcomes.
Summary
Knowing the HER2 status of your breast cancer is key because some treatments target HER2 receptors. HER2-positive breast cancer has high levels of the HER2 protein, but HER2-negative breast cancer has low to no HER2 protein. Treatments that target HER2 receptors do not affect HER2-negative breast cancers.
The outcome with this type of breast cancer is best when the disease is found early and local to the main cancer site. As the cancer spreads without being treated, average survival rates fall.
A Word From Verywell
The outcomes of all types of breast cancer diagnoses have improved in recent years. Factors such as early detection, consistent screening, and treatments individualized to specific breast cancer types have contributed to this progress.
You can take steps to reduce your risk of developing breast cancer and improve your outcomes if you get it. Making lifestyle changes that include a balanced diet and regular exercise can give your body a healthy foundation and promote better outcomes.
If you qualify, you may benefit from joining a clinical trial. Doing so can give you early access to promising drugs, treatments, or procedures as safely as possible.
Frequently Asked QuestionsEvery breast cancer is different, with the prognosis most dependent on the size of the breast tumor and stage of disease when diagnosed. HER2-positive breast cancer grows faster, is more likely to extend to lymph nodes, and spreads more easily than HER2-negative breast cancer. However, there are more drugs that specifically target the HER2 receptors found in HER2-positive breast cancer, which has improved the survival rates of this type of breast cancer.Learn MoreHER2-Positive vs HER2-Negative Breast CancerHormonal therapy treats tumors that test positive for hormone receptors that fuel their growth. This includes tumors classified as HER2-negative, HR-positive, the most common type of breast cancer. Hormone therapy is usually advised after surgery to lower the risk of cancer recurring.Learn MoreHormone Therapy for Breast CancerYes. Breast cancers may switch HER2 status, affecting the type of treatment that is most appropriate. Whenever cancer recurs, it’s important to have a breast biopsy to examine the tissue for HER2-negative or positive status before treatment begins.Learn MoreHER2 Testing in Breast Cancer
Every breast cancer is different, with the prognosis most dependent on the size of the breast tumor and stage of disease when diagnosed. HER2-positive breast cancer grows faster, is more likely to extend to lymph nodes, and spreads more easily than HER2-negative breast cancer. However, there are more drugs that specifically target the HER2 receptors found in HER2-positive breast cancer, which has improved the survival rates of this type of breast cancer.Learn MoreHER2-Positive vs HER2-Negative Breast Cancer
Every breast cancer is different, with the prognosis most dependent on the size of the breast tumor and stage of disease when diagnosed. HER2-positive breast cancer grows faster, is more likely to extend to lymph nodes, and spreads more easily than HER2-negative breast cancer. However, there are more drugs that specifically target the HER2 receptors found in HER2-positive breast cancer, which has improved the survival rates of this type of breast cancer.
Learn MoreHER2-Positive vs HER2-Negative Breast Cancer
Hormonal therapy treats tumors that test positive for hormone receptors that fuel their growth. This includes tumors classified as HER2-negative, HR-positive, the most common type of breast cancer. Hormone therapy is usually advised after surgery to lower the risk of cancer recurring.Learn MoreHormone Therapy for Breast Cancer
Hormonal therapy treats tumors that test positive for hormone receptors that fuel their growth. This includes tumors classified as HER2-negative, HR-positive, the most common type of breast cancer. Hormone therapy is usually advised after surgery to lower the risk of cancer recurring.
Learn MoreHormone Therapy for Breast Cancer
Yes. Breast cancers may switch HER2 status, affecting the type of treatment that is most appropriate. Whenever cancer recurs, it’s important to have a breast biopsy to examine the tissue for HER2-negative or positive status before treatment begins.Learn MoreHER2 Testing in Breast Cancer
Yes. Breast cancers may switch HER2 status, affecting the type of treatment that is most appropriate. Whenever cancer recurs, it’s important to have a breast biopsy to examine the tissue for HER2-negative or positive status before treatment begins.
Learn MoreHER2 Testing in Breast Cancer
HER2-Low Breast Cancer Treatment
15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Cancer Institute.Cancer stat facts: female breast cancer subtypes.Iqbal N, Iqbal N.Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in cancers: overexpression and therapeutic implications.Mol Biol Int.2014:852748. doi:10.1155/2014/852748American Cancer Society.Breast cancer hormone receptor status.Breastcancer.org.HER2 status.Penn Medicine.Triple negative breast cancer.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Breast cancer: what are the symptoms?MedlinePlus.Breast cancer.American Cancer Society.Breast cancer HER2 status.Breastcancer.org.Genetics.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How is breast cancer diagnosed?Breastcancer.org.IHC (immunohistochemistry) tests.Cancer.Net.Breast cancer: types of treatment.Cancer.net.Breast cancer - metastatic: types of treatment.American Cancer Society.Targeted drug therapy for breast cancer.Cancer,Net.Breast cancer: coping with treatment.
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Cancer Institute.Cancer stat facts: female breast cancer subtypes.Iqbal N, Iqbal N.Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in cancers: overexpression and therapeutic implications.Mol Biol Int.2014:852748. doi:10.1155/2014/852748American Cancer Society.Breast cancer hormone receptor status.Breastcancer.org.HER2 status.Penn Medicine.Triple negative breast cancer.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Breast cancer: what are the symptoms?MedlinePlus.Breast cancer.American Cancer Society.Breast cancer HER2 status.Breastcancer.org.Genetics.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How is breast cancer diagnosed?Breastcancer.org.IHC (immunohistochemistry) tests.Cancer.Net.Breast cancer: types of treatment.Cancer.net.Breast cancer - metastatic: types of treatment.American Cancer Society.Targeted drug therapy for breast cancer.Cancer,Net.Breast cancer: coping with treatment.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
National Cancer Institute.Cancer stat facts: female breast cancer subtypes.Iqbal N, Iqbal N.Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in cancers: overexpression and therapeutic implications.Mol Biol Int.2014:852748. doi:10.1155/2014/852748American Cancer Society.Breast cancer hormone receptor status.Breastcancer.org.HER2 status.Penn Medicine.Triple negative breast cancer.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Breast cancer: what are the symptoms?MedlinePlus.Breast cancer.American Cancer Society.Breast cancer HER2 status.Breastcancer.org.Genetics.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How is breast cancer diagnosed?Breastcancer.org.IHC (immunohistochemistry) tests.Cancer.Net.Breast cancer: types of treatment.Cancer.net.Breast cancer - metastatic: types of treatment.American Cancer Society.Targeted drug therapy for breast cancer.Cancer,Net.Breast cancer: coping with treatment.
National Cancer Institute.Cancer stat facts: female breast cancer subtypes.
Iqbal N, Iqbal N.Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in cancers: overexpression and therapeutic implications.Mol Biol Int.2014:852748. doi:10.1155/2014/852748
American Cancer Society.Breast cancer hormone receptor status.
Breastcancer.org.HER2 status.
Penn Medicine.Triple negative breast cancer.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Breast cancer: what are the symptoms?
MedlinePlus.Breast cancer.
American Cancer Society.Breast cancer HER2 status.
Breastcancer.org.Genetics.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How is breast cancer diagnosed?
Breastcancer.org.IHC (immunohistochemistry) tests.
Cancer.Net.Breast cancer: types of treatment.
Cancer.net.Breast cancer - metastatic: types of treatment.
American Cancer Society.Targeted drug therapy for breast cancer.
Cancer,Net.Breast cancer: coping with treatment.
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