What’s the difference between HER2-Negative and her-2 positive breast cancer

October is #breastcancerawarenessmonth

Before I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, I didn't really realise that there were different types of breast cancer. Biopsies can be used to not only determine many different things about your cancer include the type, whether it's affected by hormones, and whether it is HER2-negative or HER2-positive.

HER2 is a protein (human epidermal growth factor receptor-2) that helps breast cancer cells to grow quickly. If your biopsy shows higher than normal levels of HER2, you will be diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer. If not, your cancer will be classed as HER2-negative. MOST breast cancers are HER2-negative (including mine).

The main difference between the two is that HER2-positive breast cancer is generally considered to be more aggressive. This is because it generally grows faster, is more likely to spread and is more likely to come back again. However, thanks to innovation in breast cancer treatments, there are now many targeted therapy treatments that are considered to be highly successful.

Knowing your HER2 status will help you and your consultant to make the best choices for your breast cancer treatment. Understanding HER2 will help you to better understand your cancer and help you to feel more in control of the next steps in your journey.