Cancer is caused by uncontrolled multiplication of cells in body.

Genes play a key role for multiple proteins in the cell to maintain their normal functions. Few of these genes and protein can navigate the behaviour of breast cancer cells. Therefore, post the diagnosis of cancer, doctor may ask for a test to define the genetic makeup of the cancer cells.

One way to differentiate the breast cancer cells is via genetic evaluation. HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) is one of these genes that can promote the growth of cancer cells resulting in breast cancer.

In almost 1 out of every 5 breast cancer patients, the cancer cells generate surplus of HER2 because of the gene mutation. Let’s understand what gene mutation is.

The gene mutation takes place only in the cancer cells and it is not inherited from a parent.

Gene mutations in the genes named HER2, BRCA1, BRCA2 are commonly known to cause breast cancer.

The gene mutation amplifies the HER2 levels in several types of cancer including breast cancer. During the gene mutation, the HER2 gene fails to function correctly and replicates itself multiple times. The surplus of HER2 genes stimulates other breast cells to make multiple HER2 receptors (HER2 protein overexpression). This results in uncontrolled growth of breast cells, what we call – Breast Cancer.

HER2-positive breast cancers incline to grow rapidly and are expected to spread and recur more commonly than HER2-negative breast cancers. Based on the HER2 status, the treatment plan differs and there are medicines specifically for HER2-positive breast cancers.

Treatment of HER2 breast cancer includes surgery, to remove the cancer affected part, which is usually the first treatment for primary breast cancer. However, you may also have other treatments to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back. These include radiotherapy, chemotherapy and hormonal therapy. Moreover, newer treatments called targeted therapies, such as trastuzumab (Herceptin), have been developed to specifically treat HER2 positive breast cancer.

Sorento Healthcare Communications Pvt. Ltd, one of India’s leading communication companies and it has started a much focused, patient-centric initiative for HER2 positive breast cancer patients. It is first of its kind in India. This is a completely unbiased support service which will help HER2-positive breast cancer patients and their caregivers to get encouraged in going for the best treatment options for their condition. Their objective is to help patients get cost benefit on their oncology drugs and specific targeted therapies. Our comprehensive portal features all the required information and also inspiring patient stories. We have also set up an expert panel of Oncologists to help our patients and caregivers get the best advice when needed.

We have taken this initiative not for promotion but for making people aware of the cause. We would request to the patients and/or families of HER2 positive breast cancer patients to visit our website IamHer2.com to avail the knowledge and benefit from our initiative and subsidized cost on their breast cancer treatment.

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