Hi. Im newly diagnosed with an 8mm ER 8/8, PR 8/8 HER2 low breast cancer. Apparently the 5 year prognosis is good but there is a higher risk of long term recurrence. Is that true, and does the PR positive mean thats less likely? Thanks
1 Like
Hi dianab,
Thanks for posting.
Nearly everyone who has been diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer worries about it coming back (recurrence) and you’re not alone in having questions about this.
You explain that your 5 year prognosis is good but there is a higher risk of long-term recurrence. Each person’s situation is different and there are a number of factors that can influence outlook (prognosis) after a breast cancer diagnosis. Prognosis is often expressed as a 5 or 10 year survival rate and doctors may use an online program to estimate a person’s prognosis. If you haven’t already done so you can ask your breast care nurse to arrange a further appointment for you to discuss your individual risk.
You also ask if a cancer being PR positive affects prognosis. Breast cancer cells are routinely tested for both oestrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptors to determine which treatments will work best. Hormone therapies are only of benefit to cancers that are hormone positive. Some studies have suggested that some breast cancers which are ER positive and strongly PR positive may be associated with a better prognosis than those that are PR negative, but the evidence is not clear, and more research is needed.
Whatever your risk of your cancer coming back, it’s still important to know the changes to look for after breast cancer and report them to your GP or breast care nurse.
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.
You are welcome to call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to more support and information if necessary. 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).
If you would prefer one of our nurses to call you. To do this complete this form ticking the box agreeing to a call back.
Our usual opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm and 9am -1pm on Saturday.
Out of hours you can leave a message and we will call you back when we next open.
Best wishes
Val
Breast Care Nurse
Please read the Ask Our Nurses disclaimer Full details on how we collect and use your data can be found in our Privacy Policy
As we are unable to monitor for further replies, this thread will now be closed. If you have any additional questions or would like to provide feedback, please start a new thread, call our helpline, email us or request a call back.