Breast cancer markers
ER positive
Also written as ER+, Oestrogen receptor positive, Estrogen receptor positive, ER positive, Hormone receptor positive
What it means
ER positive means the cancer cells have a protein that binds to the hormone oestrogen (estrogen). Such cells may need oestrogen to grow. They may stop growing or die when treated with substances that block oestrogen.
Why it matters
ER positive can point towards hormone-blocking treatment. Your oncologist decides if it suits you.
Ask your oncologist
"Since my cancer is ER positive, is hormone therapy part of my plan?"
From NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms: estrogen receptor positive. Not medical advice: your oncologist decides.