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TNBC appears in every woman differently, so treatment plans can vary based on characteristics of the cancer and the patient’s individual preferences.
A higher percentage of TNBC patients are diagnosed before 50. By contrast most other breast cancers are diagnosed in people over 60 years of age. Men can also have TNBC.1
Metastatic breast cancer is cancer that has spread to other areas of the body, making complete removal not possible. TNBC is aggressive making it more likely to spread to other parts of the body, including the lungs, brain and liver, which tends to happen earlier and more frequently in TNBC than in other forms of breast cancer. While that makes it incurable, that doesn’t mean it isn’t treatable. There are therapeutic options available and multiple clinical trials testing new approaches, creating new perspectives for patients.
Relative survival rates are statistical estimates based on previous outcomes and large populations. They are not meant to replace an individual’s prognosis. Every patient’s outlook will be different based on specific characteristics of their cancer, as well as their treatment and lifestyle choices.
Being diagnosed with cancer that is late stage, metastatic, or recurring doesn’t mean there was negligence on the part of the patient regarding mammograms, self-exams, or healthy lifestyle. TNBC has a high recurrence rate regardless of these practices, and although those healthy habits can increase the odds of diagnosing breast cancer earlier, it isn’t guaranteed.
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