March 7, 2012 11:35:21 PM WATime
Hi Bec
You are right - the terminology used can be so confusing! Trying to understand the complexities of every aspect is challenging - yet for some people this becomes very important in helping them deal with what is happening to them. It can be a bit like taking a crash course in 'rocket science' though, so please give yourself time to digest and absorb the information.
Breast cancer, as with any cancer, is not the same for every person. The aim of treatment is to remove the cancer (where possible) and prevent the cancer returning as much as possible. The 'features' of the cancer help to determine the risk of the cancer returning and what treatments may be available to reduce that risk. **For many women this will mean the cancer will never return after having appropriate treatment.
The ‘grade’ of the cancer refers to the rate of growth of cancer cells. Grade 1 is 'slow-growing'; 2 is 'moderate-growing'; 3 is 'faster-growing'. NB: Grade 3 does not mean 'rampantly aggressive' as some people may think. In fact it may take a very long time before any breast cancer spreads, if at all. Grade 3 cancers are known to have a higher risk of spreading or returning though, and therefore are more likely to be recommended a range of treatments like chemotherapy and radiation to reduce this chance.
Other features of the cancer are also important in determining these risks such as size, type, lymph node involvement and any sign of spread to other areas (metasteses). The overall assessment of the cancer may be referred to as the ‘stage’.
The ‘hormone receptors’ refer to “receiver points” on the wall of the cancer cell itself that “take up” the female hormones oestogen and/or progesterone from the blood stream to promote growth. Breast cells normally have these receptors to allow breast development and function. Approximately two-thirds of breast cancers have these receptors, and the hormones taken up can promote the growth of the cancer. ‘Hormone sensitive’ or ‘positive’ cancers are considered more favourable for prognosis as they are usually less aggressive, and treatments to “block” the uptake of hormones, or decrease their production, can further reduce the risk of cancer returning.
Her2 (or cerbB2) refers to an excess of protein molecules on the cancer cell wall that promote growth. Around one-fifth of breast cancers show this over-expression and are referred to as ‘Her2 positive’. This feature is usually associated with higher grade cancers and may indicate a higher risk of cancer returning, however in recent years treatment with the drug Herceptin is proving to have significant effect in reducing this risk.
Each person’s cancer features need to be taken into account when determining the best treatments. ‘Multidisciplinary’ Breast Cancer Centres are able to determine the best ‘individualised’ treatment plan for each person, and therefore women may receive different treatments according to their results.
Hope this is useful information for you. Cheers, Glenys xx
The Click Breast Care Nurse 
