Breast cancer
Breast cancer has several types. Pathology and how far the disease has spread inform the treatment discussion.
Educational guide to help you talk with your care team, based on the sources below
Reading the report
Ask the team to explain the cancer type and report in plain language. If receptor testing was done, ask how it informs the treatment plan.
What do ER, PR, and HER2 mean on the report?
ER and PR refer to oestrogen and progesterone receptors. HER2 is another protein checked in a tumour sample. These results help the team assess whether hormone therapy or treatment that targets HER2 may be appropriate. Ask whether all the test results needed for planning are back.
Why do some people start with surgery?
Surgery comes first for some breast cancers. For others, drug treatment may come before surgery, for example to shrink the tumour. Ask the team to explain the proposed sequence, why each step is timed that way, and what findings might change the plan.
Sources and further reading
Editorial compilation and translations based on the listed sources
Sources checked
These materials help you prepare for a discussion with your care team. Medical decisions depend on the individual situation.