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Updated: May 28, 2026
Studying Triple Negative Breast Cancer Using Orthotopic Breast Cancer Model
Published on: March 20, 2020
Epidemiology of triple negative breast cancers
Gretchen L Gierach1, Aileen Burke, William F Anderson
1Hormonal and Reproductive Epidemiology Branch, DHHS/NIH/NCI/Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, Bethesda, MD 20892-7244, USA.
Abstract:
Triple negative (TN) breast cancers fail to express the three most common breast cancer receptors; i.e., estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2). Accumulating data demonstrate that epidemiological risk factor profiles also vary between TN (ER-PR-HER2-) and other breast cancers, especially the so-called Luminal A breast cancers (ER+PR ± HER2-) [1]. A more comprehensive understanding of the epidemiology of TN breast cancers has important public health implications for risk assessment [2], prevention and treatment. The epidemiology of TN breast cancers can be first understood in the age-related reproductive risk factor patterns for ER, PR, and HER2. For example, there is a clear and strong association between older age at diagnosis (and therefore postmenopausal status) and the development of ER positive, PR positive, and HER2 negative breast cancers. On the other hand, younger age at diagnosis (and premenopausal status) is related to the development of ER negative, PR negative, and HER2 positive breast cancers. This gives rise to the somewhat counterintuitive suggestion that menopause has a greater relative impact upon hormone receptor negative than positive breast cancers [3,4]. Throughout this review, we will primarily contrast ER-PR-HER2- (TN) with ER+PR ± HER2- (Luminal A) breast cancers. We will first summarize the population-based age-specific incidence rate patterns and clinical outcomes, and then will review the available analytical studies. Information sources for this review included the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results 13 Registries Public-Use Database [5], CANCERLIT, Index Medicus, and PubMed.
Insights
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) epidemiology differs from Luminal A breast cancer, particularly concerning age and reproductive risk factors. Understanding these differences is crucial for public health strategies in breast cancer prevention and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Epidemiology
- Reproductive Health
Background:
- Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and HER2 expression.
- Epidemiological risk factors for TNBC differ from other breast cancer subtypes, notably Luminal A (ER+PR±HER2-).
- Understanding TNBC epidemiology is vital for public health, including risk assessment, prevention, and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To comprehensively understand the epidemiology of TNBC.
- To contrast TNBC with Luminal A breast cancer regarding age-specific incidence and reproductive risk factors.
- To review population-based incidence rates, clinical outcomes, and analytical studies.
Main Methods:
- Review of population-based data from the National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 13 Registries Public-Use Database.
- Literature search using CANCERLIT, Index Medicus, and PubMed.
- Analysis of age-related reproductive risk factor patterns for ER, PR, and HER2 expression.
Main Results:
- Younger age at diagnosis (premenopausal) is associated with ER-negative, PR-negative, HER2-positive breast cancers.
- Older age at diagnosis (postmenopausal) is associated with ER-positive, PR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancers.
- Menopause may have a greater relative impact on hormone receptor-negative breast cancers than positive ones.
Conclusions:
- TNBC exhibits distinct epidemiological profiles compared to Luminal A breast cancer.
- Age and menopausal status are significant factors influencing breast cancer receptor status.
- Further research into TNBC epidemiology can inform targeted public health interventions.