Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer that accounts for 10-20% of all breast cancer diagnoses. Unlike other breast cancer subtypes, TNBC lacks the expression of three proteins – estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). As a result, TNBC is more aggressive and harder to treat, making early detection and diagnosis crucial. Cancer.org states that TNBC tends to grow quickly, is more likely to have spread at the time it’s found, and is more likely to come back after treatment than other types of breast cancer.
Platforms like Medditour connect the patients seeking treatment for triple negative breast cancer with the global hospitals and facilitators for cost-effective treatments.
In this article, let’s explore about the causes, diagnosis, and treatment of TNBC and how does medical tourism in Turkey, Dubai, and India could help in its treatment.
TNBC: Causes, diagnosis, and treatments
The exact causes of TNBC are unknown, but certain risk factors increase a woman’s likelihood of developing it.
These include a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, obesity, and a history of radiation exposure. Additionally, TNBC is more common in younger women and African American women.
The diagnosis of TNBC is typically confirmed through a breast biopsy, where a small sample of tissue is removed from the breast and examined under a microscope. Imaging tests such as mammograms, ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be used to diagnose and stage TNBC.
TNBC is often treated with a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Surgery is the primary treatment option for TNBC, with the goal of removing as much of the cancerous tissue as possible. Chemotherapy is then used to kill any remaining cancer cells, with the type of chemotherapy used depending on the stage and severity of the cancer. Radiation therapy may also be used to target any remaining cancer cells in the breast or surrounding tissue.
Cancercenter.com states that the five-year relative survival rate for someone with localized triple-negative breast cancer, cancer that has not spread beyond the breast, is 91 percent.
Medical tourism for TNBC
Medical tourism has become a popular option for patients seeking treatment for TNBC. Countries such as Turkey, Dubai, and India offer world-class medical facilities and highly trained medical professionals at a fraction of the cost compared to western countries.
Turkey, for example, is known for its advanced cancer treatment centers, with some of the most experienced and skilled oncologists in the world. Patients seeking treatment for TNBC in Turkey can expect to receive personalized care from a multidisciplinary team of specialists.
Dubai is another medical tourism destination that offers world-class healthcare facilities and services. The Dubai Health Authority has implemented strict regulations to ensure that all medical facilities and professionals meet international standards of care.
India is another popular destination for medical tourism, with some of the world’s best cancer treatment centers. These centers offer a comprehensive range of treatments for TNBC, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Companies like Medditour provide opportunities for patients seeking treatments for TNBC to combine their treatment with travel, providing a relaxation, thereby ensuring speedy recovery.
In conclusion, TNBC is a subtype of breast cancer that requires early detection and treatment. Patients seeking treatment for TNBC can benefit from the world-class medical facilities and highly trained medical professionals offered by medical tourism destinations such as Turkey, Dubai, and India.