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Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer
Causes of breast cancer still remain unknown. Though researchers continue to find new connections between breast cancer and links to different internal/external factors there is still much to be learned. However, what is known is that there is a link to family history and hereditary factors. About 10 percent of breast cancer is linked to genes, which have been passed down from parents to offspring and so on. Breast cancer patients can be tested to determine if a mutated gene which can lead to breast cancer is present.
Specific genes which have been linked to breast cancer
All humans have two specific genes, which normally prevent the growth of cancer. These genes are known as BRCA1 and BRAC2. However, in some families these genes mutate and they in turn become cancer genes due to their abnormal growth patterns. Certain ethnicities are more at risk for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. BRCA stands for breast cancer. Jewish Ashkenazi families of East European decent (not Sephardic Jewish families from Spain or the Middle East) tend to have BRCA1 and BRACA2 gene mutations. These gene mutations are also known to lead to ovarian cancer in the Ashkenazi families. Scientists believe that other mutated genes may also lead to breast cancer and they are carrying on research to determine which genes play apart in breast cancer.
Who are the people at risk for genetically inherited breast cancer?
The Ashkenazi men and women are at risk by virtue of ethnicity but breast cancer can affect other people as well. The clues to look out for if you are worried that there may be a genetic factor running in your family for breast cancer is to look at the close first degree relationships. These family relationships would include parents, siblings and children. If two or more members of this category of family members have breast cancer you may very well be at risk. Next you determine if any first-degree relative contracted breast cancer before the age of 50. Also, if a first degree relative has ovarian cancer that too may be an indicator for the inherited mutated BRCA1 and BRAC2 genes.
You might be wondering if everyone who has family members with the mutated genes automatically have the mutated genes themselves. The good news is the answer is no. Even though having a parent, child, or sibling in the family who has breast cancer puts you at a greater risk, the odds are not high in that you will have the mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutated genes. Most people never get the inherited type of breast cancer.
You may of course be concerned and you certainly cannot dismiss the possibility that you may have inherited the mutated genes so it would be prudent of you to talk to your doctor, let him or her know which family members have breast cancer and how old they were when they were first diagnosed.
Should gene testing be done?
If you have a family history of breast cancer it would be wise to talk to your doctor about gene testing. The decision will be an individual one made between you and your doctor. Some people will opt for the testing while other people will choose not to know. Remember that even if you find out you have the mutated genes your risk of contracting breast cancer is still rather low. Would knowing if you had the mutated gene worry you and disrupt your everyday life, or what not knowing cause you more worry and concern? What you would want to do in either case is to make sure you have your physical breast examinations regularly and have regular mammograms which can detect the signs of early breast cancer; just like every other woman with or without the mutated genes should do.