I have just been diagnosed for the 3rd time with breast cancer. The last was er8 pr-her-. This time it is er8 and pr4. I asked the consultant the significance of pr but he didnt give an answer. Could you advise please
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Hi Jolow, what a b***er to have a third diagnosis. Ive had 2 ipsilateral and a resultant mastectomy. My first in 2005 was ER 8 PR 8 and this time ER8 PR6. This time my tumour was more aggressive- Grade 3 although no chemo as low Oncodx result. I think progesterone receptors might be a prognostic factor; ie it’s better to have them than not. ER+ PR- tends to be more likely to recur but other than that Im not sure.
Good luck with your treatment xx
Thank you for your reply. I am just the sort of person who wants to know everything. The annoying thing is i have been struggling with anastrole but kept on taking it in the believe it would stop a recurrence. Just waiting for surgery date at the moment
Hi Jolow
Thank you for your question.
It is understandable that you are having questions about your breast cancer and treatments especially as you have recently been diagnosed for the third time.
Hormone receptor positive breast cancers use hormones in the body to help them grow. The hormone receptors found in breast cells are known as oestrogen receptors (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors. Most PR-positive breast cancers are also ER-positive.
Progesterone receptors are less well understood than oestrogen receptors. The benefits of hormone therapy are less clear for people whose breast cancer is only PR-positive and very few breast cancers fall into this category.
As @Margarita mentions the progesterone receptor may be a possible prognostic factor. We know women with PR-positive tumours have better outcomes when treated with endocrine therapy and that PR status is heavily dependent on ER status.
We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
At times like this it can help to talk through how you are feeling. Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen to your concerns, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks. The number is 0808 800 6000, (Relay UK - prefix 18001).
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Best wishes
Grete
Breast Care Nurse
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