Triple Negative Breast Cancer is a subtype which is generally diagnosed based upon the presence, or lack of, three "receptors" known to fuel most breast cancers: estrogen receptors, progesterone receptors and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). The most successful treatments for breast cancer target these receptors.

Unfortunately, none of these receptors are found in women with triple negative breast cancer. In other words, a triple negative breast cancer diagnosis means that the offending tumor is estrogen receptor-negative, progesterone receptor-negative and HER2-negative, thus giving rise to the name "triple negative breast cancer."

On a positive note, this type of breast cancer is typically responsive to chemotherapy. Because of its triple negative status, however, triple negative tumors generally do not respond to receptor targeted treatments. Depending on the stage of its diagnosis, triple negative breast cancer can be particularly aggressive, and more likely to recur than other subtypes of breast cancer.

See your healthcare provider right away if you notice any of the following

• Lump, hard knot or thickening
  
• Swelling, warmth, redness or darkening of the breast
  
• Change in the size or shape of the breast
  
• Dimpling or puckering of the skin
  
• Itchy, Scaly sore or rash on the nipple
  
• Pulling in of the nipple or other parts of the breast
  
• Nipple discharge that starts suddenly
  
• New pain in the one spot that does not go away.

Information provided by Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation.