The prognosis for those with HER2 is worse than these numbers at stages two through four, as the fast-acting nature of the HER2 proteins on cancer cells makes this cancer more aggressive and more likely to metastasize than other types of breast cancers. Early detection is therefore even more critical with this type of breast cancer than with other types.
Killing Cancer Twice
The Institute of Cancer Research in England has recently discovered something interesting about cell cancer death. They found out that there are actually two different ways that cancerous cells can die, and not just one as had previously been believed.
However, even early detection is not always enough to stop HER2. Recurrence rates for this type of cancer are higher than with most, and even those that are caught in the earliest stages have a much greater chance of eventually returning than other breast cancers. The good news is that the drug of choice for the treatment of HER2 breast cancer, Herceptrin (trastuzumab), can cut the chances of recurrence in women whose breast cancers have been caught early by as much as one half. Women whose HER2 breast cancer has reached stage three can also be helped by Herceptrin, as this drug can raise five year survival rates for women in this group to 30%. But as can be seen by the relatively low survival rate for HER2 cancer in this stage, this is indeed an aggressive and dangerous breast cancer that needs to be caught as early as possible. Unfortunately, only about 15 to 20% of women diagnosed with this type of breast cancer are in an early stage at the time of detection, when Herceptrin can make its biggest impact.
The Nature of the Threat
Even though it is genetic factors that cause HER2-positive breast cancer, it cannot be inherited from a woman's parents. Mutations occur unpredictably in this gene as women age, and there has been speculation that environmental toxins and pollutions might play some role in these genetic changes. But as things stand now, it appears that any woman could conceivably suffer a mutation in the HER2 gene at any time, with the likelihood of it happening increasing progressively as women age.
Regular breast cancer screening remains the best way for all breast cancers, including HER2-positive breast cancers, to be detected early. Women concerned about their risk of this disease should talk to their own doctors or consult with other medical experts they trust to discuss the possibility of arranging a protocol for comprehensive and sensible breast cancer screening.
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