More and more people are deciding to learn whether or not they have an abnormality in what have come to be known as the “breast cancer genes,” BRCA1 (BReast CAncer gene one) and BRCA2 (BReast CAncer gene two). Women who inherit a mutation, or abnormal change, in either of these genes — from their mothers or their fathers — have a much higher-than-average risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Men with these mutations have an increased risk of breast cancer, especially if the BRCA2 gene is affected, and possibly of prostate cancer. Many inherited cases of breast cancer have been associated with these two genes.
The function of the BRCA genes is to keep breast cells growing normally and prevent any cancer cell growth. But when these genes contain the mutations that are passed from generation to generation, they do not function normally and breast cancer risk increases. Abnormal BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes may account for up to 10% of all breast cancers, or 1 out of every 10 cases.
Remember that most people who develop breast cancer have no family history of the disease. However, when a strong family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer is present, there may be reason to believe that a person has inherited a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Some people choose to undergo genetic testing to find out. A genetic test involves giving a blood sample that can be analyzed to pick up any abnormalities in these genes.
Researchers have discovered, and are continuing to discover, other gene abnormalities that are less common than BRCA1 and BRCA2 but also can raise breast cancer risk. Testing for these abnormalities is not done routinely, but it may be considered on the basis of your family history and personal situation. You can work with your doctor to decide whether testing for gene abnormalities besides BRCA1 and BRCA2 is warranted.
«Index of Breast Cancer
«Genetics and Breast Cancer Risk
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment