Genetics and Breast Cancer
| |
|
In
The Know: Breast Cancer
|
 |
Quick Facts
- Early Warning Signs: The breast nipple becomes inverted, develops a rash, has changes in skin texture, or has a discharge other than breast milk.
- Important Facts: Seventy percent of all breast cancers are found through breast self-exams. Not all breast lumps are detectable by touch.
|
Studies have shown that women with a family history of breast cancer have a higher risk for developing the disease. This is due to a gene abnormality that can be passed down from either the mother’s side or the father’s side of the family.
Most inherited cases of breast cancer have been associated with two genes: BRCA1 and BRCA2. (These abbreviations stand for Breast Cancer Gene One and Breast Cancer Gene Two.) Scientists believe that abnormal BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes may account for up to 10% of all breast cancers. Studies have shown that women with abnormal BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes could have a breast cancer risk as high as 80-90% by the age of seventy. Women who have this gene abnormality are often stricken with breast cancer before the age of fifty.
Only genetic testing can determine whether you have abnormal BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that could significantly increase your risk for breast cancer. Some women choose to undergo preventive treatment to reduce their risk for breast cancer if they learn they have abnormal BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. If you have a family history of breast cancer, you may want to talk to your doctor to learn more about the benefits of genetic testing.
Note: information utilized in the articles in this section was gathered from the American Cancer Society, the National Breast Cancer Foundation and breastcancer.org.
top 
|