Young women and women of color may face increased risks of developing triple-negative breast cancers, revealed study published in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, shows. Triple-negative breast cancer is a type of cancer that spreads more quickly than most other types and doesn't respond well to hormone or targeted therapies.
Previous U.S. studies have found racial disparities in triple-negative breast cancer diagnoses, but few have looked beyond the scope of one state. To conduct a larger study, researchers in the Georgia State University School of Public Health analyzed all breast cancer cases diagnosed during 2010-14 from the United States Cancer Statistics database, a surveillance system of cancer registries with data representing 99 percent of the U.S. population.
Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Triple-negative breast cancers are ER negative, PR negative, and lack overexpression of HER-2. They are difficult to treat and are very aggressive.
Advertisement
‘African American women of younger age are more likely to be diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer than younger women of other ethnicities. ’
Tweet it Now
The team identified more than 1.15 million cases of breast cancer, with triple-negative cases accounting for about 8.4 percent of all cases. The researchers uncovered a significant incidence of triple-negative breast cancer for women of color, specifically non-Hispanic black women, and for younger women.
Compared with non-Hispanic white women, non-Hispanic black women and Hispanic women had higher odds of being diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, respectively. More than 21 percent of non-Hispanic black women were diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, compared with less than 11 percent for all other types of breast cancer. Women younger than 40 years of age had twice the odds of being diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer than women aged 50-64 years. Also, among women who were diagnosed with breast cancer, those diagnosed at late stages were 69 percent more likely to have triple-negative cancer than other types.
![Triple Negative Breast Cancers: Fresh Insights]( "Triple Negative Breast Cancers: Fresh Insights")
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells that develop resistance to frontline, or neoadjuvant, chemotherapy not by acquiring permanent adaptations, but rather transiently turning on molecular pathways that protect the cells have been discovered.
Because of the aggressive nature of triple-negative breast cancer and the lack of therapeutic options, it is important to know which individuals face a higher risk and what factors may influence this risk, the researchers noted.
"Until we have evidence of what environmental and genetic components contribute to this risk, it is imperative that women know their familial history of breast cancer, discuss that with their physicians and follow screening recommendations," said Lia Scott, lead researcher, recent doctoral graduate of the Georgia State University School of Public Health (Ph.D. '18), and current Steven M. Teutsch Prevention Effectiveness Fellow with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Cancer Prevention & Control. "We hope that this update on the epidemiology of triple-negative breast cancer can provide a basis to further explore contributing factors in future research."
According to the American Cancer Society, most breast cancers are mainly classified by three proteins that can affect the cancer's growth: the estrogen hormone receptor, the progesterone hormone receptor and the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Triple-negative breast cancer does not have any of the receptors, making it difficult to identify what is fueling the cancer's growth. Doctors have fewer options for targeted treatment to destroy these cancer cells. Chemotherapy is still an effective option for treating this cancer and reducing the risk of its return.
Source: Eurekalert
Triple Negative Breast Cancers: Fresh Insights
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells that develop resistance to frontline, or neoadjuvant, chemotherapy not by acquiring permanent adaptations, but rather transiently turning on molecular pathways that protect the cells have been discovered.
Advertisement
Because of the aggressive nature of triple-negative breast cancer and the lack of therapeutic options, it is important to know which individuals face a higher risk and what factors may influence this risk, the researchers noted.
"Until we have evidence of what environmental and genetic components contribute to this risk, it is imperative that women know their familial history of breast cancer, discuss that with their physicians and follow screening recommendations," said Lia Scott, lead researcher, recent doctoral graduate of the Georgia State University School of Public Health (Ph.D. '18), and current Steven M. Teutsch Prevention Effectiveness Fellow with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Division of Cancer Prevention & Control. "We hope that this update on the epidemiology of triple-negative breast cancer can provide a basis to further explore contributing factors in future research."
According to the American Cancer Society, most breast cancers are mainly classified by three proteins that can affect the cancer's growth: the estrogen hormone receptor, the progesterone hormone receptor and the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). Triple-negative breast cancer does not have any of the receptors, making it difficult to identify what is fueling the cancer's growth. Doctors have fewer options for targeted treatment to destroy these cancer cells. Chemotherapy is still an effective option for treating this cancer and reducing the risk of its return.
Source: Eurekalert
Quiz on Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths among women. It is often said that a woman who breast-feeds is at a lower risk of developing cancer compared to another who does not .Are these mere old wives tales or is there some truth in it? This quiz on breast cancer has all the details.
Advertisement
 Breast Cancer Risk Assessment CalculatorBreast Cancer Risk Assessment Calculator predicts the risk for breast cancer. Find list of breast cancer facts and more information on signs and symptoms of breast cancer and mammography. | Advertisement
|
Advertisement
Recommended Readings
Latest Cancer News
The combination of the personalized cancer vaccine with ACT led to ovarian cancer control in few patients within a span of three months, stated study results.
Uncovering key kinases in tumor growth and invasion is crucial for improving targeted therapies in advanced-stage colorectal cancer.
The study findings validate metal-enhanced photo-oxidation for future metal-based anticancer drugs.
Mutations in 11 genes are linked to aggressive forms of prostate cancer, which may present novel therapeutic and therapy options.
Improved oral health, as indicated by the count of natural teeth and dental appointments preceding the diagnosis, correlated with enhanced head and neck cancer survival rates.
