Download HER2 Patient Tearsheet - HER2

What is the plan for treating my breast cancer?
Anatomy of the Female Breast
Chest wall
Ribs
Fatty tissue
Lymph nodes
Muscle
Muscle
Lobe
Ducts
Areola
Nipple
Nipple
Areola
Tumor Biology
Lobules
Details
Tumor Assessment
HER2 receptor status
Size approximation
Hormone receptor status
(ER/PR)
Grade
Details
ER=estrogen receptor; PR=progesterone receptor.
What are the next steps in my treatment?
Should I be referred to a medical oncologist before surgery?
My medical oncologist is:
My surgeon is:
Node Status
Clinical node assessment
Details
Understanding HER2-positive early-stage breast cancer
What is early-stage breast cancer?
In early-stage breast cancer, the tumor is only in the breast. Although there may be cancer cells in nearby glands
(called lymph nodes), this stage is considered “early” because the cancer hasn’t metastasized (spread to other parts
of the body). People can be treated for early-stage breast cancer, and for some people the cancer may not return.
What is HER2-positive breast cancer?
HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) is a type of protein found on the surface of cells in everyone. This
protein tells cells to grow and divide. HER2-positive breast cancer cells, however, have more HER2 receptors than
normal breast cells. Having more HER2 receptors causes tumor cells to grow and divide faster, which increases the risk
of the cancer spreading outside of the breast. Approximately 20%-25% of all breast cancer tumors are HER2-positive.
HER2-POSITIVE CANCER CELL
NORMAL CELL
HER2 receptor
HER2 receptor
Normal amount of HER2
• Cells grow and divide normally
KNOWING IF YOU HAVE HER2-POSITIVE
BREAST CANCER IS IMPORTANT
• Without treatment, HER2-positive breast cancer
has a higher risk of spreading to other parts of
the body than many other types of breast cancer
• HER2-positive breast cancer has been studied
extensively, and there are specific treatments that
can target HER2 in this type of cancer
Too much HER2
• Cells grow and divide faster
What should I be considering prior to surgery if I have HER2-positive early-stage
breast cancer?
• If you have HER2-positive early-stage breast cancer, there may be options available to treat the
cancer before surgery, as part of a complete treatment plan
• Some therapies target HER2 receptors and may help keep the cancer from growing
What are the possible steps in HER2-positive early-stage breast cancer treatment?
Treatment options for early-stage breast cancer might include medicine before and/or after surgery.
THERAPY BEFORE SURGERY (NEOADJUVANT TREATMENT) MAY:
• Help shrink the tumor and potentially decrease the chance of cancer cells spreading outside of the tumor
• Allow your healthcare team to see how the tumor responds to the therapy. This may help them determine
which therapies are likely to work after surgery
SURGERY MAY:
• Remove any remaining tumor from your breast
• Remove or test (biopsy) lymph nodes
THERAPY AFTER SURGERY (ADJUVANT TREATMENT) MAY:
• Help eliminate remaining breast cancer cells and potentially lower the risk of tumors growing back
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