A diagnosis of breast cancer can bring many questions and emotions. At Tucson Breast Health Specialists, we’re here to help you find clarity, comfort, and confidence in your care plan. Our experienced team is dedicated to providing comprehensive, personalized treatment for all types of breast cancer, including HER2-positive breast cancer, using the most advanced therapies available today. With a focus on compassion, innovation, and hope, we guide each patient through their journey toward healing with expertise and understanding.
What is HER2-Positive Breast Cancer?
HER2-positive breast cancer is a type of breast cancer in which the cancer cells have higher-than-normal levels of a protein known as human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2). This protein promotes the growth of cancer cells and can make the disease more aggressive than other breast cancer types.
While receiving a HER2-positive diagnosis can feel overwhelming, it’s important to know that treatment advancements over the past several years have dramatically improved outcomes. At Tucson Breast Health Specialists, our expert team is here to guide you through every step of your treatment journey with compassion, understanding, and the most advanced care available.
HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Treatment Options
Thanks to major breakthroughs in targeted therapy, early cases of HER2-positive breast cancer are now highly treatable. The right treatment plan depends on several factors, including cancer stage, overall health, and personal preferences, but often includes a combination of the following approaches:
- Targeted Therapy: Medications such as trastuzumab (Herceptin) and pertuzumab (Perjeta) are designed to specifically target the HER2 protein, helping to stop or slow the growth of cancer cells. These treatments have significantly improved survival rates and quality of life for patients.
- Chemotherapy: Usually used alongside targeted therapies, chemotherapy helps destroy rapidly dividing cancer cells throughout the body.
- Hormone Therapy: For patients whose cancer is both HER2-positive and hormone receptor–positive, hormone therapy may be recommended to reduce recurrence risk.
- Surgery: Depending on the diagnosis, surgery may be before the medical therapy, or following chemotherapy. This surgery will be either a lumpectomy or mastectomy will be performed to remove the tumor.
- Radiation Therapy: Targeted radiation may be used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells and reduce the risk of recurrence.
At Tucson Breast Health Specialists, we take a personalized approach to each patient’s care. We combine the latest research-backed treatments with compassionate support to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes.
Learn More
At Tucson Breast Health Specialists, we understand that every patient’s journey is unique. Dr. Ley is dedicated to providing the highest level of breast cancer care, combining cutting-edge treatment options with personalized attention and emotional support.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer, contact Tucson Breast Health Specialists today. We proudly offer breast health care to patients in the Tucson, AZ area and beyond.
Board-Certified Surgeon
MICHELE LEY, MD, FACS
Dr. Ley, a breast surgical oncologist in Tucson since 2006, delivers compassionate and personalized care to create tailored treatment plans based on the latest research. Specializing in surgical care for breast cancer and high-risk patients, she employs minimally invasive techniques and practices oncoplastic surgery to optimize outcomes.
More About Dr. Ley“The level of care is excellent.”
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We are dedicated to providing the support you need. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help on your breast health journey.
We are only accepting patients with surgical breast diseases. We do not see patients for breast pain or without imaging in the last three months. If you have been diagnosed with one of the following, please submit the contact form or call our office at (520) 605-2778 to schedule your appointment.
- Breast cancer, DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ), LCIS (lobular carcinoma in situ), invasive ductal carcinoma, invasive lobular carcinoma, and any other breast malignancies such as sarcoma, and malignant phyllodes
- Patients with known genetic mutations such as BRCA 1, 2, and others
- Fibroadenoma, phyllodes tumor, radial scar, complex sclerosing lesion, papilloma >8mm, atypical papilloma, nipple mass or ulceration,
- Granulomatous mastitis
- Atypical ductal or lobular hyperplasia ( ALH, ADH), and any benign lesion with atypia

