Genes and the Risk of Breast Cancer
Most breast cancers appear to occur sporadically -- no known cause of why the process occurred. However, it is currently understood that about 10-15% of all breast cancers are linked to mutations of breast and ovarian cancer genes known as the BRCA1 & BRCA2 genes. If these genes mutate (mistakes that occur in the DNA structure), a person's lifetime risk for development of breast cancer is significantly higher than women who do not acquire these kinds of gene mutations.
You may be asked to have this testing done on your blood to determine if you carry such a mutation. Women that do carry these mutations are prone to development of breast cancer in both breasts (bilateral breast cancer) and ovarian cancer as well. Clearly, if a person is identified as carrying the genes, treatment with more surgery including breast mastectomy (removal of the breast) and ophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) may be considered. It is important to know that having a gene mutation like this is fairly rare and unless you have significant risk factors such as an early age of diagnosis of breast cancer or a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, you are unlikely to carry such a gene mutation. This is a very complex issue and further information about gene testing as it applies to your situation should be discussed with your physician(s).
You may be asked to have this testing done on your blood to determine if you carry such a mutation. Women that do carry these mutations are prone to development of breast cancer in both breasts (bilateral breast cancer) and ovarian cancer as well. Clearly, if a person is identified as carrying the genes, treatment with more surgery including breast mastectomy (removal of the breast) and ophorectomy (removal of the ovaries) may be considered. It is important to know that having a gene mutation like this is fairly rare and unless you have significant risk factors such as an early age of diagnosis of breast cancer or a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, you are unlikely to carry such a gene mutation. This is a very complex issue and further information about gene testing as it applies to your situation should be discussed with your physician(s).