Is Stage 2 HER2-positive breast cancer curable?

HER2-positive breast cancer is highly curable because of the availability of these HER2-targeted therapies, so we treat patients fairly aggressively upfront to reduce the risk of them experiencing a stage IV recurrence.

Is Stage 2 breast cancer completely curable?

Stage II breast cancers are curable with current multi-modality treatment consisting of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and hormonal therapy. Effective treatment of stage II breast cancer requires both local and systemic therapy.

Is HER2-positive breast cancer a death sentence?

Current treatment algorithms for invasive HER2-positive disease has transformed the face of a disease with a death sentence to one with prolonged and overall survival benefit.

Is Stage 2 breast cancer considered early stage?

Stage 2 breast cancer means that the cancer is either in the breast or in the nearby lymph nodes or both. It is an early stage breast cancer. The stage of a cancer tells you how big it is and how far it has spread.

Does Stage 2 breast cancer always return?

Stage 2 breast cancer generally has a good prognosis and can be cured with treatments. On average, 7 to 11 percent of women with early breast cancer may experience a local recurrence in the first five years following treatment.

How long is chemo for HER2-positive?

Cycles can last anywhere from about two to four weeks, depending on the combination of drugs. Chemotherapy generally lasts about three to six months. The total length of chemotherapy treatment may vary depending on the stage of breast cancer and a number of other factors.

What is the deadliest breast cancer?

Metastatic Breast Cancer The most serious and dangerous breast cancers – wherever they arise or whatever their type – are metastatic cancers. Metastasis means that the cancer has spread from the place where it started into other tissues distant from the original tumor site.

Does HER2-positive run in families?

HER2-positive breast cancer is not hereditary, but some other types of gene mutations related to breast cancer are inherited. Genetic testing can tell you if you have any of the mutations currently known to increase risk for breast cancer or other cancers.

Do you need chemo for Stage 2 breast cancer?

Chemotherapy is usually offered after surgery for stage 2 breast cancer. It may be given before surgery (called neoadjuvant therapy) if: the tumour is larger than 5 cm. the cancer has spread to lymph nodes both under the arm and around the breastbone.