March 3 is the Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Day

On March 3, we begin Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) Awareness Month. OncoDaily joins the oncology community to raise awareness about this aggressive and challenging subtype of breast cancer throughout the month.

Unlike other breast cancers, TNBC lacks estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), and HER2 receptors, meaning it does not respond to hormonal or HER2-targeted therapies. TNBC accounts for 10%–20% of all breast cancer cases and is more common among Latin American, African, and African American women.  It is associated with early relapse, rapid progression, and a higher likelihood of spreading to the lung, liver, and brain.

Picture credit: Kirkby M, Popatia AM, Lavoie JR, Wang L. The Potential of Hormonal Therapies for Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel). 2023 Sep 24;15(19):4702. doi: 10.3390/cancers15194702. PMID: 37835396; PMCID: PMC10571841. 

Risk Factors for TNBC

Research indicates that certain factors can increase the likelihood of developing TNBC. These include:

• BRCA1 Gene Mutation: Around 70% of breast cancers in women with an inherited BRCA1 mutation are classified as TNBC.
• Age: Premenopausal women, particularly those under 50, are at a higher risk for TNBC.
• Ethnicity: African American and Hispanic women experience a higher incidence of TNBC, with approximately 20–40% of breast cancers in African American women being triple-negative.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

TNBC typically doesn’t show unique symptoms and is often detected during routine screenings, like mammograms, before any signs appear. Its symptoms are similar to those of other breast cancers, including a lump in the breast, changes in shape or size, nipple discharge, and skin changes like dimpling.

Approximately 40% of breast cancers are found by women during self-exams. However, a recent survey showed a decline in self-checks, with 11% of women reporting they never perform them.

Familiarity with your breast anatomy is key for early detection. Regular mammograms, recommended for women over 40 or at higher risk, can detect abnormalities like calcifications and masses before symptoms develop, significantly improving treatment outcomes. Other screening methods, like ultrasound and MRI, may also be used. A biopsy and genetic testing can confirm a diagnosis.

The Importance of Regular Checkups and  Self-Exams

Early detection is key in improving outcomes for all types of breast cancer, including TNBC. Regular self-exams and routine checkups play a crucial role in identifying potential issues before symptoms appear. Performing regular self-checks allows you to familiarize yourself with your breast tissue, making it easier to detect any unusual changes.

Mammograms are also essential, particularly for women over 40 or those at higher risk. They can help detect cancerous changes before physical symptoms emerge. Early detection through regular screenings and self-exams significantly improves treatment success, as catching cancer early gives patients more treatment options and better outcomes.

Current Treatment Options

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is difficult to treat due to its lack of receptors, which means it doesn’t respond to common treatments like hormone therapy or HER2-targeted therapies. Additionally, TNBC is divided into six molecular subtypes, each with unique characteristics, making treatment development more complex.

Chemotherapy and immunotherapy remain the main treatment options. For TNBC in stages I-III, surgery may be considered if the tumor is small enough, either before or after chemotherapy. Other treatments, like PARP inhibitors and antibody-drug conjugates (ADC), are also used.

The Importance of Research and Advocacy

Ongoing research is key to finding better treatments and improving survival for TNBC patients. Advocacy groups play a vital role in raising awareness, supporting patients, and funding research efforts.

Call to Action

Join us in spreading awareness about TNBC. Support ongoing research, and encourage regular breast cancer screenings—early detection saves lives.

Credit to Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation

To learn more about TNBC and other types of breast cancers read the article “Breast Cancer: Symptoms Causes, Stages, Diagnosis, and Treatment” by OncoDaily.