TNBC logo TNBC Support has been developed and funded by Gilead Sciences Ltd for people living with TNBC and their carers in the UK

I am caring for someone with TNBC

ABOUT TNBC

There are many different types and stages of breast cancer, which can be confusing and sometimes overwhelming. However, by understanding which type of cancer your loved one has, you will be able to discuss the best treatment options with their healthcare team.
Caring TNBC

What does ‘triple-negative’ mean?

Breast cancer can be divided into different groups by testing for three proteins that are sometimes present on the surface of the cancer cells.

These are oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). The ‘triple-negative’ of TNBC relates to the fact that none of these specific proteins are found on the surface of the cancer cells.i

What other definitions are used?

Breast cancer is also defined by:

  • The stage, which relates to the size of your tumour and whether it has spread to other parts of your body. Stages are typically numbered stage 1-4.ii
  • The grade, which relates to how abnormal the cells look through a microscope and gives an idea of how slowly or quickly the cancer may develop.ii

You can find out more about the staging and grading of breast cancer here: Macmillan Cancer Support – Staging and Grading of Breast Cancer

Some other terms you might hear as you navigate TNBC are:

  • Primary: When the term ‘primary’ is used in breast cancer, it means the cancer hasn’t spread beyond the breast or the lymph nodes under the arm.iii
  • Secondary: When cancer spreads from its original or ‘primary’ location, for example, settling and growing in other organs, this is known as ‘secondary’ cancer.iv
  • Advanced: Similarly to ‘secondary’, this means that cancer has spread to other organs beyond the primary site (i.e. within the breast).v
  • Metastatic: When cancer ‘metastasises’, this means it has spread from the primary location to other organs. ‘Metastatic’, ‘advanced’ and ‘secondary’ can all be used to describe when cancer has spread in the body.v If you have advanced, secondary or metastatic breast cancer, your doctor may still refer to the ‘primary cancer’ in the breast as this is where the cancer originated.
Who can get tnbc

who can get tnbc?

While TNBC can affect anyone, including menvi, some groups are more likely to be diagnosed with the triple-negative subtype than others:

  • Women diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 40 are almost twice as likely to be diagnosed with the triple-negative subtype than women over the age of 50.vii
  • Black women are also disproportionately affected and twice as likely to be diagnosed with TNBC than white or Asian women.viii
Who can get tnbc

How many people have TNBC?

You may hear TNBC referred to as ‘rare’, however 15%vi of breast cancer is TNBC and over 8,000i people are diagnosed with TNBC each year in the UK. Some people find it useful to connect with others with the same diagnosis and share experiences. There are lots of options available to you, such as support groups or online community forums, some of which are anonymous, depending on your preference.

Is TNBC inherited?

Sometimes, people will inherit a gene that can increase the likelihood of developing certain cancers, including breast, ovarian and prostate cancers. One of these genes is called BRCA.

TNBC accounts for 70% of breast tumours caused by BRCA1 mutations, and 16-23% of those caused by BRCA2 mutations.ix

Depending on your diagnosis, you may be offered genetic testing. You can read more about this here: Breast Cancer Now – Genetic testing for altered breast cancer genes

Caring for
someone with
primary TNBC

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When a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, it is very natural to be uncertain about how to help and support them.

The important thing to remember is that every person diagnosed with cancer will have a different experience and will process it in a different way. Try to be there for them without drawing comparisons or sharing anecdotes about other people who have also been through cancer.

When talking with your loved one, be conscious of the mood they are in at the time. Not everyone will want to talk about their cancer or how they are feeling, but don't take this personally. The best thing you can do is listen and react in a sensitive manner – you do not have to have all the answers, sometimes all your loved one will need is to be heard.

Remember that treatment and processing their diagnosis will be a lot to take on. Check in with them to see if they need any specific help in their day-to-day life. This might be going to appointments with them, running errands or helping around the house.

During and after treatment, your loved one may experience some changes to their body as a result of the procedures they have been through and medicines that have been prescribed. During this time, continue to support them as they get to know their body after treatment and continue with their recovery. It is also important during this time to remind them to attend follow up appointments and make their healthcare team aware of any new changes to their body that might need further investigation, or that could be managed if they are aware of them.

Caring for
someone with
secondary TNBC

Click to read more >

When a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, it is very natural to be uncertain about how to help and support them.

A diagnosis with secondary cancer is one that can be particularly difficult to process for everyone involved. The important thing to remember is that every person diagnosed with cancer will have a different experience and will process it in a different way. Try to be there for them without drawing comparisons or sharing anecdotes about other people who have also been through cancer.

When talking with your loved one, be conscious of the mood they are in at the time. Not everyone will want to talk about their cancer or how they are feeling, but don't take this personally. The best thing you can do is listen and react in a sensitive manner – you do not have to have all the answers, sometimes all your loved one will need is to be heard.

Remember that treatment and processing their diagnosis will be a lot to take on. Check in with them to see if they need any specific help in their day-to-day life. This might be going to appointments with them, running errands or helping around the house.

During and after treatment, your loved one may experience some changes to their body as a result of the procedures they have been through and medicines that have been prescribed. During this time, continue to support them as they get to know their body after treatment and continue with their recovery. It is also important during this time to remind them to attend follow up appointments and make their healthcare team aware of any new changes to their body that might need further investigation, or that could be managed if they are aware of them.

It is important to discuss treatment options with your loved one and understand their wishes for the future. While it may be a very difficult conversation to have, you should talk to your loved one about advance care planning and how they would like to be cared for if they become too ill to communicate their wishes in the future.

HEAR PHIL’S STORY

In these videos, Phil discusses his journey caring for his wife who was diagnosed with mTNBC.

References