When you are diagnosed with secondary breast cancer you will be inundated with terminology which can be very overwhelming. This series of info posts will tell you a little bit more about each type of secondary breast cancer.
HER2 Status
HER2 or it's formal name of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 is a gene that can play a role in the development of breast cancer.
Genes are made up of the ingredients that cells need to function correctly and stay healthy. The HER2 gene makes HER2 proteins which are what's known as a receptor on breast cells. These receptors are supposed to behave and help to maintain a healthy breast. In some cases the HER2 gene starts to misbehave and makes lots of copies of itself (HER2 gene amplification). All of these extra HER2 genes tell the breast cells to make too many HER2 receptors, this inturn makes breast cells grow and divide in an uncontrolled way.
If your disease behaves in this way you will be told that you are HER2 positive. Your oncologist will be able to provide you within information on your specific cancer types from pathology reports.
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