Important Announcements

Nondiscrimination Statement Update

Boston Medical Center Health System complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, national origin (including limited English proficiency and primary language), religion, culture, physical or mental disabilities, socioeconomic status, sex, sexual orientation and gender identity and/or expression. BMCHS provides free aids and services to people with disabilities and free language services to people whose primary language is not English.

To see our full nondiscrimination statement, click here.

Campus Construction Update

Starting September 14, we’re closing the Menino building lobby entrance. This, along with the ongoing Yawkey building entrance closure, will help us bring you an even better campus experience that matches the exceptional care you've come to expect. Please enter the Menino and Yawkey buildings through the Moakley building, and make sure to leave extra time to get to your appointment. Thank you for your patience. 

Click here to learn more about our campus redesign. 

What is triple negative breast cancer?

After a breast cancer diagnosis, breast cancers are checked for three proteins — estrogen and progesterone receptors and HER2 — often linked to breast cancer. Triple negative breast cancer is a breast cancer that tests negative for these three proteins. This can make the cancer harder to treat.

Triple negative breast cancers are more often found in women under age 40 and in women with a BRAC1 mutation (a gene that is passed in families). They are also more likely to grow and spread fast. About 10 to 15% of all breast cancers are triple negative.

What are the symptoms of triple negative breast cancer?

Like other breast cancers, the most common symptom is a lump in the breast. Other symptoms may include:

  • A change in the shape of the breast
  • Discharge (not breastmilk) from the nipple
  • Pain in the breast or nipple
  • A dimpling in the skin on the breast
  • In many cases, breast cancer is found on a mammogram test.

How is triple negative breast cancer treated?

Treatment for triple negative breast cancer may include:  

  • Surgery to remove the tumor (lumpectomy) or, in some cases, the entire breast (mastectomy)
  • Chemotherapy to shrink the tumor or help kill any cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body
  • Radiation therapy to help destroy any cancer cells left in the breast

What are the risk factors for triple negative breast cancer?

Specific risk factors for triple negative breast cancer include:

  • Having an inherited BRAC1 mutation
  • Being a Black or Latina woman
  • Being under age 40

Departments and Programs Who Treat This Condition

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Breast Cancer Program

BMC’s Breast Cancer Program team is here for you from diagnosis through the end of your treatment, with comprehensive care built around you and your life.
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Breast Imaging Center

BMC's Breast Imaging Center of Excellence helps women stay healthy with state-of-the-art mammography services.