In today’s fast-paced world, factors like poor diet, chronic stress, less physical activity, late pregnancies, and consumption of excessive alcohol have been linked to developing breast cancer cases. Alongside these lifestyle factors, inherited genetic mutations also play a critical role in raising the risk.
While many breast cancers are responsive to targeted or hormone therapies, some are far more aggressive. One of the most aggressive forms is triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). It grows and spreads faster than other breast cancers. It accounts for 15% of all breast cancer cases and is often diagnosed in women younger than age 40, who are Black and have a BRCA1 mutation.
Unlike other invasive breast cancers, TNBC doesn’t have the receptors (estrogen or progesterone) and protein (HER2) to help cancer grow and spread. This is the major reason that makes it challenging to treat.
For women diagnosed with TNBC, the journey can be physically and emotionally demanding, but understanding the symptoms and early detection can help improve the outcomes.
Who is More Likely to Develop TNBC?
While triple-negative breast cancer can develop in any woman, certain groups are at a higher risk:
- Women under the age of 40
- African and South Asian women
- Women with a BRCA1 mutation
- Women with unhealthy lifestyle choices- poor diet, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, etc
According to a study, TNBC has unique risk factors compared to other breast cancers, including:
- Having higher breast density
- Having a family history of breast cancer
- Using birth control pills for more than 10 years
How TNBC is More Aggressive than Other Breast Cancers?
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is considered more aggressive than other breast cancers because:
- Rapid Growth: The tumors grow and spread more quickly
- High Recurrence Risk: The cancer can recur, especially within the first 3-5 years after diagnosis
- Limited Treatment Options: It lacks hormone and HER2 receptors, making standard therapies ineffective
- Higher Risk of Cancer Spread: It is more likely to spread to other organs, such as the lungs or the brain
Symptoms
The symptoms of triple-negative breast cancer are the same as other common types of breast cancer:
- A lump or thickening in the breast
- Change in shape and size of the breast
- Breast and nipple pain
- Dimpled breast skin
- Nipple discharge or inversion
- Dry and flaking nipple or breast skin
- Swelling in the breast
Regular screening and self-examination are vital as early-stage TNBC may not show obvious symptoms.
Diagnosis of Triple-negative Breast Cancer
By examining the breasts, if any changes have been noticed, the following tests are recommended:
- Breast MRI– To produce detailed images of breast tissue
- Breast ultrasound– To take pictures of the inside of the breast
- Mammogram– A low-dose X-ray of breast tissue to look for early signs of breast cancer
- Biopsy– A breast tissue sample is examined under the microscope to confirm cancer
Treatment Options
Different treatment options for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) are:
Chemotherapy
It is the primary treatment for triple-negative breast cancer, which can slow or stop the growth of cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be given before the surgery (neoadjuvant) and after the surgery (adjuvant).
Surgery
It includes lumpectomy and mastectomy, which are recommended based on the characteristics of the cancer, including size, stage, and grade.
In lumpectomy, the tumor and some surrounding tissues are removed.
In a mastectomy, one or both breasts are removed, especially in high-risk cases.
Radiation Therapy
It is generally recommended after the surgery to kill any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence of the cancer.
Immunotherapy
It stimulates your body’s immune system to attack cancer cells. Immunotherapy is combined with chemotherapy to shrink cancerous tumors before surgery.
Targeted Therapy
If triple-negative breast cancer has BRCA genetic mutations, then the healthcare professional will recommend targeted therapy with PARP inhibitors such as Talzenna or Lynparza.
Also Read:- Targeted Therapy Cost in India
Complications After the Surgery
Breast cancer surgery can cause complications, and it is crucial to contact your cancer care team if you have infection symptoms such as:
- High fever
- Redness or skin discoloration
- Pus draining from the wound
- Trouble breathing
- Swollen leg
Can I Prevent Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent triple-negative breast cancer, but essential steps can be taken to reduce the risk:
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Reduce alcohol consumption
- Regular exercise
- Consume a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
If you have a family history of breast cancer, especially TNBC, it is important to consult with your doctor about genetic testing and increase screening frequency.
Conclusion
Triple-negative breast cancer is one of the most aggressive breast cancers, which is challenging to treat. But, timely diagnosis, early detection, and a proper treatment approach can help the patient overcome the challenges. Awareness and regular screenings should always be the first line of defense. With constant breakthroughs in treatment, there is real hope that triple-negative breast cancer can not only be treated but also prevented in the future.
