Hormone Receptor Status

Hormone receptor status refers to whether breast cancer cells have specific proteins called receptors that detect hormones like estrogen and progesterone. If these receptors are present, the hormones can promote the growth of the cancer. Knowing the receptor status helps doctors determine the best treatment options; for example, cancers with hormone receptors may respond well to hormone-blocking therapies. This information is crucial for personalized treatment planning and can influence prognosis, as hormone receptor-positive cancers often have different outcomes compared to those without these receptors.