Biologic, Demographic, and Social Factors Affecting Triple Negative Breast Cancer Outcomes

Background: Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype that disproportionately affects women who are African American, younger, or carriers of the BRCA1 gene. No targeted treatments exist for the disease, which has distinct features and presents unique challenges to patients who have been diagnosed with it.

Objectives: TNBC is reviewed in this article according to incidence, tumor grade, stage of diagnosis, biologic and social risk factors, mortality, and treatment.

Methods: Published articles pertaining to TNBC and located through online database searches were reviewed. Articles were selected either because they offered the most current information about TNBC or contributed to the understanding of TNBC.

Findings: Biologic, demographic, and social factors present unique challenges in the treatment of women with TNBC. Knowing about the characteristics of TNBC and the populations who are most at risk for the disease might help healthcare providers better respond to their patients. It may also facilitate responsiveness to patients’ needs and enhance their quality of life.