Certain types of breast cancer are more responsive to female hormones like estrogen and progesterone. This means the presence of these hormones in the body can accelerate cancer cell growth. One such type is ER-positive breast cancer.
Approximately 80% of people diagnosed with breast cancer have ER-positive tumors. Others may have progesterone receptor (PR) positivity. Those with hormone receptor-positive cancer cells are classified as having hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, whereas those without hormone receptors are classified as hormone receptor-negative.
Contents
What is ER-Positive Breast Cancer?
ER-positive breast cancer is a subtype of breast cancer that is sensitive to the hormone estrogen. These cancer cells have estrogen receptors (ER), allowing them to bind to estrogen and use it to grow. The higher the estrogen levels in the body, the more “fuel” these ER-positive cancer cells have to grow and spread.
However, most hormone receptor-positive breast cancers, including ER-positive types, tend to grow more slowly compared to hormone receptor-negative cancers. Understanding the type of breast cancer you have is crucial in helping doctors determine the most effective treatment.
Symptoms of ER-Positive Breast Cancer
The symptoms of ER-positive breast cancer are similar to other types of breast cancer. The most common sign is a lump in the breast.
Other symptoms include:
- Breast skin irritation
- Abnormal nipple discharge
- Breast or nipple pain
- Changes in breast shape or size
- Skin texture resembling an orange peel
Causes of ER-Positive Breast Cancer
Normally, every cell in the body has specific hormone receptors that bind with hormones to function properly. In ER-positive breast cancer, estrogen binds to receptors on cancer cells, causing them to grow uncontrollably.
Several factors can increase the risk of developing ER-positive breast cancer, including:
- Early onset of menstruation
- Late menopause
- Giving birth at an older age
- Undergoing hormone therapy to manage menopause symptoms
Diagnosis of ER-Positive Breast Cancer
To determine whether you have ER-positive breast cancer, doctors typically perform a breast biopsy. However, a biopsy is only conducted if there is suspicion of cancer based on imaging tests such as mammography, breast MRI, or breast ultrasound.
If these imaging tests detect a mass or lump, the doctor may recommend a breast biopsy to:
- Confirm whether the tumor is cancerous or benign
- Identify the type of breast cancer
- Check for the presence of hormone receptors on cancer cells
Treatment for ER-Positive Breast Cancer
ER-positive breast cancer is often treated with breast cancer surgery or hormone therapy.
Hormone therapy aims to lower estrogen levels in the body because high estrogen levels fuel cancer cell growth. This therapy is usually administered in pill form. In some cases, medical procedures may be performed to stop ovarian function—the main source of estrogen production. This procedure is called ovarian ablation.
Doctors may also combine hormone therapy with other cancer treatments to maximize results. These treatments may include:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
Chemotherapy or hormone therapy can be used before surgery to shrink the tumor or after surgery to destroy any remaining cancer cells.
According to data from the National Cancer Institute, around 90% of women survive at least five years after being diagnosed with ER-positive breast cancer. This indicates a favorable prognosis, especially when the cancer is detected at an early stage.
Although ER-positive breast cancer is generally less aggressive than other invasive breast cancers, consulting a doctor for the right treatment plan is essential. Effective treatment not only increases the chances of recovery but also helps prevent cancer recurrence.
You can visit the Breast Advance Cancer Center (BRAVE) at Mandaya Royal Hospital to consult with our top specialist doctors. Book an appointment easily via WhatsApp chat, the Book Appointment page, or the Care Dokter app, available on Google Play and the App Store. You can also monitor your queue number for a more convenient consultation experience.
