Breast Cancer gene

Description

The Breast Cancer Gene is considered to be one of the most widespread cancers in the world. Some believe that it is because of their genes. Well, one of the most common inherited risks is a mutation in the breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2.

This article’s going to cover what these genes are, what they do to your risk, and what you can do in case you have a mutation. All in plain English.

What’s BRCA1 and BRCA2?

BRCA is the abbreviation for the breast cancer gene. Of the genders, it belongs to each and every one of us. It works in the body to fix DNA damage and, in that way, prevent cancer from developing.

These are genes that help to maintain your cellular health when they are in proper working order. However, once a harmful change or mutation accrues in either of the genes, they won’t be able to repair DNA as efficiently. This tends to increase the chance of getting some types of cancer, especially breast and ovarian cancer.

Do BRCA mutations do to the risk of cancer?

Only a small percentage of all breast cancers are caused by BRCA gene mutations. In fact, most cases of breast cancer do not result from an inherited gene. They estimate that only 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer cases are due to inherited mutations in families.

What BRCA mutations actually do is raise a person’s lifetime risk of getting either breast or ovarian cancer to outrageous levels when compared to everyone else.

Research, states:

A woman with a BRCA1 mutation has a risk of developing breast cancer during her lifetime up to 72%. A woman with a BRCA2 mutation has a 69% chance of getting it in her lifetime. Both mutations significantly increase the risk of an individual getting ovarian cancer. Men with BRCA mutations are at higher risks for breast cancer and prostate cancers and sometimes pancreatic cancer too.

Who Should be Tested?

Not everyone needs to have a BRCA gene test performed. But testing is recommended in people who:

• Have a lot of family members who have had breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer.
• Have a lot of family members who were diagnosed at a young age.
• Have a male relative with breast cancer.

Since it’s more common in individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry

• If you had breast or ovarian cancer when you were young

Genetic testing will help you know the risk and ways of avoiding it if you fall into one such group.

What genetic testing feels like?

It is possible to know if one has BRCA mutations through a simple blood or saliva test. They take the sample to a lab and search for changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

Result interpretation time may be as long as a few weeks, and results usually fall into one of the following groups:

• Positive: Detection of a deleterious mutation
• Negative: No deleterious mutation identified
• VUS: Variant of uncertain significance - sometimes called a "change" is detected, but it is not known whether this change specifically causes cancer.

If you have a positive result, your doctor or a genetic counselor will tell you what to do next.

If you get a BRCA test, it doesn't mean you have cancer, but it does mean you're more likely to get it. Here is how you reduce or manage the risk:

1. More frequent screening

You may need more frequent breast cancer screenings like mammograms, MRIs of the breasts. These can help in early detection when it is highly treatable.

2. Preventive surgery to eliminate the chance of falling sick

Some women may choose to undergo a bilateral mastectomy or oophorectomy to lessen the threat of developing cancer. These are preferences that women make depending on their age, plans for their family, and perception of how high the risk is.

3. Medication

Some medications such as tamoxifen can reduce breast cancer risk in women who carry BRCA mutations.

4. Healthy Life Way of Rejuvenation

Even if a genetic risk cannot be eliminated, healthy living can certainly be of help:

• Keeping the weight at a proper level
• Not smoking; only drinking in moderation
• Frequent working out
• Healthy and well-balanced diet

What About the Guys?

Men, too, can have BRCA mutations but this happens very rarely. They are at risk for:

• Male breast cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Pancreatic cancer

Men with a familial predisposition to these cancers should consider genetic counseling.

Pre- and post-test genetic counseling is critical. Genetic counselors interpret test results and recommend appropriate actions based on personal and family health histories. This may be related not only to mental and emotional state—testing may provoke stress related to the possible outcomes for one’s health—but also stress in relation to the family’s health.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are rare, but they greatly increase the risk of a person developing ovarian and breast cancer. Fortunately, many individuals prone to BRCA mutations lead a healthy life for long if they are tested early, screened adequately, and receive proper preventive care.

Knowledge is power. If you have family history or are concerned about your risk, talk to your doctor. Testing and advice will put you in control of playing it smart with your health.