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Monday, November, 23, 2009
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Had my matectomy on my right.ER/PR negative what could be the cause for cancer?

aashikmeeran
09/08/08
aashikmeeran
Topics:Cause for cancer

Doctor says if ER/PR are positive the cause could be because of estrogen but in my case he is unable to determine the cause.

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PJ Hamel
PJ Hamel
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PJ Hamel is happy to be alive. As always.
Author, breast cancer survivor

Writer, mother, wife, volunteer, and survivor: PJ Hamel joins the...

Monday, September 08, 2008

Hi - I think you're a bit confused. Estrogen isn't the cause of cancer. It helps certain breast cancers grow, so it definitely stimulates some cancers; but it doesn't cause cancer. Unfortunately, no one knows the cause of cancer; if we did, we'd probably have a cure by now! Your risk for getting breast cancer can be increased by genetic abnormalities; by age; by dense breasts; by family history; and by other factors. But about 85% of women who get breast cancer have no known risk factors... so it's pretty random. I hope you've been tested for the HER2-neu protein, because if you're positive, you can take drugs to help prevent a recurrence. Best of luck to you - PJH

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