Resources

Have you been diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer? Our Sisterhood is here to support you.

Triple-Negative Breast Cancer FAQs

A diagnosis of TNBC means that the three most common types of receptors known to fuel most breast cancer growth are not present in the tumor.
In other words, the tumor has tested negative for all three of these common receptors: estrogen, progesterone, and the HER-2/neu gene. The absence of these receptors means common treatments like hormone therapy and traditional chemotherapies are less effective.
TNBC is often aggressive. It tends to grow faster and therefore, it is less likely to be seen on an annual mammogram. It is also more likely to spread to other parts of the body quickly
Using chemotherapy to treat TNBC is the most common treatment option. In fact, in its earlier stages, TNBC may respond even better to chemotherapy than many other forms of cancer.
Due to its aggressive nature and higher occurrence in younger women, some pursue clinical drug trials for treatment.
Anyone can develop TNBC. Research has shown that it occurs more often in women of color, especially those at a younger age. Carriers of the BRCA-1 gene as well as Ashkenazi Jewish women are also at high risk for TNBC.
About 15-20 percent of all breast cancers in the U.S. are TNBC.
We offer practical support as well as fun boosts of motivation and love to women with TNBC. Emotional, financial and educational assistance are the pillars of our care packages, each tailored to the unique needs of our sisters. Sometimes our ladies want someone to connect with about their journey. Financial help is available for when the daily cost of living gets heavy and medical bills cause stress. We try to lighten the burdens our sisters are feeling so they can focus on healing.
We also host sisterhood events throughout the year so our ladies can gather, laugh and build relationships. Our TaTa community creates a space to feel welcome, inspired and hopeful — and sisterhood is forever.
If you live in the St. Louis area and have been diagnosed with TNBC, please submit an application for assistance. (Friends and family, you are welcome to submit the application on behalf of your loved one.)
Not in this area? Though it takes a little longer to process applications outside our service area, we may still be able to support you. Please contact us or apply for assistance today.
There are a number of national organizations offering information and support relevant to women with triple-negative breast cancer:
The following resources are offered for all breast cancer patients in St. Louis. Some are limited to patients with financial need:
- CancerCare: free counseling, support groups, education, financial assistance, and practical help to anyone affected by cancer.
- Cancer Support Community: free support groups, workshops, and mind-body activities. Their Staenberg Family Cancer Services program provides vouchers towards the cost of medical supplies directly related to a cancer diagnosis.
- Cleaning for a Reason: free once-a-month housecleaning for those who have breast cancer.
- Food Outreach: nutritional services to adults and children undergoing cancer treatment.
- Gateway to Hope: comprehensive medical and surgical care in partnership with other agencies for those diagnosed with breast cancer who are uninsured or underinsured.
- Haven House: support for families who travel more than 25 miles to St. Louis to receive medical treatment.
- Sharsheret Supports STL: support group and other resources for breast or ovarian cancer, with a focus on carriers of the BRCA gene.