HER2 Positive Breast Cancer: Everything You Must Know

We teach you why HER2-positive breast cancers are more threatening and educate you about new therapies such as targeted immunotherapy and neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

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LIST OF QUESTIONS FOR YOUR DOCTORS:

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Questions for your Breast Surgeon and Medical Oncologist:

1. What is HER2-Positive breast cancer?
2. Will I need Chemo and Targeted Therapy?
3. What are the benefits of Neoadjuvant Chemo?
4. Isn’t Neoadjuvant Chemo recommended more now?
5. Should I consider a Clinical Trial?
6. What is “HER2-Positive” breast cancer?

“HER2-Positive” breast cancers are fast growing tumors that more frequently spread beyond the breast to other parts of the body. Because of this, they are a bigger threat to your life than most other types of cancers with different receptor patterns. These cancers are called “HER2-positive” because they have too many HER2 protein receptors on their surface. These tiny proteins act like “light switches” to turn cancer cell growth “on.” Chemotherapy, combined with new, “targeted” drugs, are very effective against HER2-positive breast cancer and are a leap forward in breast cancer care.

Your Breast Surgeon will know your “receptor pattern” within days after your initial breast biopsy. These results are often not communicated to you early on in your decision process. Although only 20% of breast cancers are “HER2-positive,” it is imperative that you specifically ask your surgeon immediately, and well before surgery, “What are my receptor results?” Take our lesson on “My Tumor Receptors” to learn more.

Treated with Chemo and “Targeted Therapy”

HER2 Receptor Positive (HER2+) tumors are incredibly responsive to chemotherapy when paired with new breakthrough drugs that target these cancers, such as Herceptin and Perjeta. The same holds true if a HER2+ tumor is also Estrogen Receptor positive (ER+). HER2+ tumors are more aggressive cancers, but we now can treat them more effectively, than in the past, with chemotherapy and “targeted immunotherapy” drugs that are designed to destroy them. Everyone with a HER2+ tumor larger than 5mm (1/4 inch) and in good health is considered for chemotherapy and targeted therapy.

Unfortunately, studies have shown that many patients are not offered these standard of care, life-saving “targeted drugs” along with chemotherapy. You will make better treatment choices when you are well informed about HER2 therapies before meeting with your medical oncologist. You must inquire about Herceptin, Perjeta, and other “anti-HER2 drugs” that may be of benefit to you.

Ask about the benefits of “Neoadjuvant Chemo”

What is often overlooked are the benefits of offering neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with HER2-Positive, “Early-Stage” (1 & 2) breast cancers. There are distinct advantages (listed below) to having chemotherapy before surgery instead of afterwards. The decision to consider neoadjuvant chemotherapy always begins with your breast surgeon. Breast surgeons choose the initial direction of your entire breast cancer treatment plan. You must address this “cutting edge” treatment option well before surgery to benefit from neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Do not be afraid to ask. This is a very important question. Learn more about “Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy“ by taking our video lesson on the topic.

The Potential Benefits of Neoadjuvant Chemo:

*Begin life-saving chemotherapy earlier
*Reduce the need for a mastectomy
*Improve lumpectomy cosmetic outcomes
*Reduce the need for an “Axillary Dissection”
*Allows more time for BRCA genetic testing
*More time to think about “lumpectomy vs. mastectomy”
*Shows your cancer team if the chemo is working
*Can possibly eliminate all cancer cells before surgery
*Reduces the need for radiation after a mastectomy

Ask if you might benefit from a Clinical Trial.

New therapies must be studied in clinical trials to make sure they are safe and effective at treating breast cancer. HER2-positive breast cancers are currently the focus of intense clinical research. New drug treatments are rapidly being developed for this aggressive cancer. Less than 5% of all patients with breast cancer participate in clinical trials. Patients with cancer willing to participate in clinical trials are essential for the advancement of breast cancer care. Ask your medical oncologist if they offer or recommend you participate in a clinical trial for your unique breast cancer situation. Learn more about “Clinicial Trials“ at the Breast Cancer School for Patients.

[jacobsmommyone]

I was diagnosed with stage 3 Her 2 positive invasive ductal carcinoma at the age of 32. I completed 6 rounds of chemo on Aug 2 (tumor literally disappeared) had my lumpectomy on Sept 3 and pathology came back BENIGN!!! My oncologist had to stop perjeta halfway thru treatment because it got me so sick! But Thankfully I responded to the rest of the treatment extremely well! Chemo sucks! CANCER sucks! To everyone in the fight remain strong and positive and you will get through it and conquer this evil beast! My journey is not over but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel! Prayers to everyone in this battle! 💪🏼🙏🏻💋

[amaliefedor]

I was diagnosed with her2 positive breast cancer at 42, I'm 65 now and all is well so far. I had an excellent team and was an early recipient of herceptin. Thank God for excellent research hospitals!

[amberwilder]

I was diagnosed with ER/PR negative and Her2 positive May 10th 2024. My port and chemo are delayed due to spots they found on my other breast. Three of the four came back benign. I get the last one MRI guided biopsy tomorrow June 5th. I get my port this Friday and start Perjeta June 12th! Cancer sucks and I’m only 36. My mom passed away in 2023 from breast cancer but different kind. Fight like everyone out there with cancer you are not alone!!

[clark]

Thank you Dr. for these brilliant videos. I wish I had known about them when I was diagnosed the week before xmas. I had found a lump myself in my left breast. I immediately went in for a mammogram. They then did an ultrasound and biopsy, and found that I had dcis in my right breast, and a3.2 cm tumor in my left breast. They sent me to their oncologist, who talked for 4 hours straight, even using a whiteboard. By the time we left, our brains were like mush. They wanted to do chemo first before surgery, but only because I have silicone implants, which I have had for 40 years. Both of their surgeons insisted I have the implants removed before they would do a small, simple lumpectomy. I heard of a great surgeon in town, who was supposed to be the best in his field of breast surgery. HR didn't bat an eye about the implants, so I had to change providers so I could use him. Well he removed the tumors, on in side. And even though my new oncologist also wanted to do chemo first, I said No, too much time had passed, and I just wanted the cancer out before it had time to get any bigger. Right after my surgery I found your Breast Cancer School. Even though I still think I made the right decision, I have learned so much about breast cancer that I wish I had known sooner. My daughter just let me know she has breast cancer, 5 lumps in one breast, and I immediately sent her to your videos. Thanks for all your help.

[lmundiclan]

I had herz2 and we opted for surgery, lumpectomy and radiation for 4 months that was in 2012 and so far so good.

[PiaBesmonte]

Since i have been diagnosed with breast cancer last week, your videos have been very helpful to add more enlightenment to my situation. Thank you.

[schavonnawilliams]

I've watched 2 of your videos and you have really helped me. Thank you for your knowledge and your willingness to share it. It is really needed.

[zenafrank]

Thank you for your patience and understanding with helping a newbie like me to understand 🙏💕

[pulmo]

You are an excellent teacher. Thank you for your efforts.

[deniseallemandou]

Dear Dr Williams, I would like to thank you so much for your teaching. you mike it perfectly clear and you can't imagine how this is helpful for us. Thank you again. God bless you Dr.

[cindygreen]

Thank you so much . I’ve done great on all you talked about grade 3+. Masses shrinking. Chemo and meds no fun … thankfully working great . Great info .

[juanitz]

Thank you for that wonderful presentation..

[kabrodell]

Learning so I can help my bff with this diagnosis. Thank you! The information is so helpful!

[pheobesaad]

Incredible, very simplified explanation, you are a great doctor and teacher, God bless your life.

[dianasmith]

Great content and very useful info. Thank u

[beverleycobblers]

My Mum has just been diagnosed with breast cancer and are testing for HER2 now. This is so reassuring. She's 62 so am keeping everything crossed.

[deschelbutler]

Im her2 positive and I'm in a clinical study. I will let you know how it goes. I watch a lot of your videos. Thank you for sharing.

[queen-servant-of-allah]

Thank u so much for brilliant video 👌🏾🥰♥️♥️♥️🥲🥲🥲🥲

[adelepratt]

I was diagnosed 2019 with her2+++, er+, pr+, my biopsy was sent to America for a second opinion, 2020 I had a double mastectomy and only 3months later started with chemotherapy !

[ayeshaengel]

I was diagnosed with Triple + Infiltrate ductile carcinoma in Dec 2018 and went to SIX different oncologist and not one of them sat me down and explained anything in such detail. I was just told I must start chemo ASAP and thrown with gigantic medical terms. Drs really need to take the time to really sit their patients down and counsel them.