Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of MyBCTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

How rare is ur to have 3 diff kinds of breast cancer?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Cumming, GA
October 22
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members rallied around a question about having three different kinds of breast cancer, with many sharing that it is more common than people... Read more

Members rallied around a question about having three different kinds of breast cancer, with many sharing that it is more common than people think, especially across separate diagnoses over time. Several members described their own experiences with multiple breast cancer types, including different biomarkers and stages in both breasts, while one member shared an remarkable journey of 14 total cancers over 48 years. A recurring theme was the importance of regular checkups, genetic testing, and sharing medical history with family members, along with an outpouring of prayers and emotional support for one another.

A MyBCTeam Member

Bonny, it doesn't happen often- but males can also get bc! If genetic testing shows anything- please share the info with siblings and sons as well. So many of the guys end up being diagnosed at a later vs early stage-because their concerns are dismissed! Keeping you and the family in prayers!

October 23
A MyBCTeam Member

Hi Bonnie- Are all three happening at once? It is not uncommon to have one type with your original diagnosis, get treatment, and then have cancer come back with different biomarkers.

What are the three differences are you referencing? The differences may be in the location, (Ductal vs, Lobular, etc), or whether the cancer is still In Situ or Invasive, differences in biomarkers?

Keeping you in prayers!

October 22
A MyBCTeam Member

Oh my gosh- you must be so tired of this road!! Do you know what your protocols will be this time? Adding in more prayers that this is the last time you will have to kick this to the curb!!

October 22
MyBCTeam

Having three different types of breast cancer at the same time is extremely rare. Breast cancer is already complex, with many subtypes, and being diagnosed with multiple distinct types simultaneously is uncommon.

Here's a quick look at how rare some types are on their own:

- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) — the most common Show Full Answer

Having three different types of breast cancer at the same time is extremely rare. Breast cancer is already complex, with many subtypes, and being diagnosed with multiple distinct types simultaneously is uncommon.

Here's a quick look at how rare some types are on their own:

- Invasive Ductal Carcinoma (IDC) — the most common, making up about 80% of cases
- Triple-Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) — accounts for about 10–15% of cases
- Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) — only 1–5% of cases
- Tubular or Mucinous Carcinoma — each around 2% of cases Since each type has its own characteristics and treatment approach, having multiple types would make treatment planning more complex. It's really important to work closely with your oncology team to understand each diagnosis and how they plan to treat each one.

It may also be worth connecting with other MyBCTeam members who may have had similar experiences — sometimes hearing from others in the same boat can be really comforting. 💙

October 22
A MyBCTeam Member

Thank you!

October 30

Related Questions

View All

Anyone else have low/non-functioning thyroid post radiation?

A MyBCTeam Member asked a question 💭
Seattle, WA
January 13, 2013

Breast Cancer Doesn’t Care What Kind of Plans You Have
Which Types of Breast Cancer Have the Highest Recurrence Rates?
How Is Your Risk of Breast Cancer Recurrence Calculated? 8 Risk Factors