Key Facts About Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is common cancers among women. Survival rates have shown improvements these days because of the advanced technology for treatment and early detection.

You can take a look at this guide to learn more about triple-negative breast cancer, the most unique and aggressive form of breast cancer.

What Is Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?

Triple-negative breast cancer grows fast and has higher risks of growing back than any other cancer. It can spread to the other parts of the body making it difficult to treat which is why early detection is important.

Triple-negative breast cancer is identified when breast cancer cells test negative for estrogen and progesterone hormone receptors. TNBC is more common in women younger than 40 years old.

What Are The Symptoms Of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer?

Learn the symptoms of triple-negative breast cancer:

Noticeable changes in breast size and shape. Some uncommon feelings can also be counted as a symptoms.
Changes in the skin, for example, a rash, redness or dimpling.
Lump or thickening in the breast or armpit.
Nipple discharge except for breast milk.
Breast pain, warmth, irritation, itchiness or hardness.
If swollen lymph nodes under the arm or near the collar bone are detected then it can also be the symptom.

It is possible not to feel any symptoms but it does not give the surity that cancer is not present. Visit for regular check-ups so that healthcare providers can detect the problem at an early stage.

What Does The Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Treatment Involve?

Here is what you can expect in the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer:

A surgical procedure can be involved to remove the tumour. It can be done either before or after chemotherapy. Surgery type will be dependent on the location and size of the tumour.
Chemotherapy is the treatment done by the use of chemical substances. It is an important and effective treatment for a person having triple-negative breast cancer as it deals with the fast-growing cancer cells effectively.
Radiotherapy can be done to destroy cancer cells. It can be done after chemotherapy.
Immunotherapy involves drugs that can help the immune system to recognise and destroy cancer cells.

What Are The Risks Involved?

Triple-negative breast cancer can target anyone but some factors increase its risk:

Triple-negative breast cancer is more common in women who are under 50.
Non-Hispanic black women are at higher risk whereas Non-Hispanic white women are at lower risk than them.
Genes can be one of the reasons behind transferring cancer.
If your family had a history of cancer then you can have more risk of developing triple-negative breast cancer.
Early menstruation or late menopause can also become the reason for developing triple-negative breast cancer.

What Should Be The Lifestyle Changes For TNBC?

Here are some lifestyle changes you can bring to manage triple-negative breast cancer:

Regular exercise can help enhance mood and relieve stress. You should perform exercise for at least 30 minutes. Do moderate exercises, there is no need to stress yourself.
Adopt a healthy diet. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins can help support the immune system and provide you energy. Limit the intake of processed, high fat and high sugar food.
You can improve your treatment by avoiding tobacco and putting a limit on alcohol consumption. Alcohol and smoking can bring complications during the treatment.
Do meditation and yoga to avoid unnecessary thoughts and relax your mind. At this time relaxation is important.

Consult with your healthcare provider for the changes in exercise routine and dietary plans. They can recommend an effective exercise program.

What Instructions To Follow After The Treatment?

You must visit for regular check-ups as per your healthcare provider’s advice. Follow the instructions given by the specialists for physical exams and symptom reviews. The follow-up appointment can be held according to your treatment.

The time since your treatment will decide the follow-ups for example, first two to three years you have to visit every three to six months.

For years three to five visit every six months.

After the fifth year visit annually or as per your healthcare provider call.

Can Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Return After The Treatment?

Triple-negative breast cancer can return after the treatment. The thing is you have to take care of yourself and listen to your healthcare provider. You must not avoid the instructions of your healthcare specialist and visit for regular check-ups.

Avoid things that are told to be because that will decrease the risk of developing cancer again. Here are some factors that can increase the risk of developing cancer again such as: undergoing a lumpectomy without radiation therapy or having a large tumour or cancer cells in the lymph nodes.

Go with skin cancer screening to avoid risks of developing TNBC.