In women, levels of estrogen fluctuate on nature's carefully designed schedule, regulating the development of secondary sex characteristics, including breasts; regulating the monthly cycle of menstruation; and preparing the body for fertilization and reproduction.

In breast cancer, estrogen may promote the growth of cancer cells.

An estrogen receptor assay is a laboratory test done on a sample of the cancer in order to see whether estrogen receptors are present. The growth of normal breast cells and some breast cancers is stimulated by estrogen. Estrogen receptors are molecules that function as cells' "welcome mat" for estrogen circulating in the blood. Breast cancer cells without these receptors (called estrogen-receptor negative or ER negative) are unlikely to respond to hormonal therapy. Estrogen-receptor positive cancers are more likely to respond to hormonal therapy.

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