Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for about 10-15 per cent of all breast cancers across Australia, according to Cancer Council Victoria (CCV).
In 2024, 467 women were diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in Victoria.
TNBC is different to other types of breast cancer as it doesn’t have any of the three receptors usually found on the surface of breast cancer cells: estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and HER2 (Human epithelial growth factor receptor Negative 2).
Triple negative breast cancers do not respond to hormone therapy or to the targeted therapy drugs used for HER2+ cancers in early breast cancers.
These types of cancer usually respond well to chemotherapy.
About what people could do to be on guard against TNBC, a CCV spokesperson said: “Be breast aware. This is important for both men and women. Women of all ages are encouraged to become familiar with the normal look and feel of their breasts at different times of the month.”
What to look out for:
A new lump or lumpiness, especially if it is only in one breast.
A change in the shape or size of your breast.
A change to the nipple, such as crusting, ulceration, redness or recent inversion.
A nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing.
A change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling.
An unusual pain that doesn’t go away.
An increasing number of Victorians living with cancer are seeking financial support.
For support, call 13 11 20, Breast Cancer Network Australia on 1800 500 258 (www.bcna.org.au), National Breast Cancer Foundation (https://nbcf.org.au/) or Think Pink (www.thinkpink.org.au).
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www.cancervic.org.au/about-cancer/types/breast_cancer/breast-cancer.html
