What You Need to Know about BRCA and Breast Cancer

Author: Poly Clinic

If you have recently had a loved one diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, then you are probably tackling a wide variety of emotions. In addition to concern over your loved one, you are probably thinking about your own health and your susceptibility to getting cancer. If you have daughters, you are probably worried for their health as well. The good news is that there are genetic tests you can obtain which will tell you if you carry certain genetic traits which lead to a higher likelihood of developing breast cancer. One such genetic trait is the BRCA gene mutation. The following article outlines what you need to know about this gene mutation in order to make an informed decision regarding your own health.

What You Need to Know about BRCA and Breast Cancer
Most cancers are a result of mutations and not genetics. In fact, only 5-10% of cancers are hereditary. One link between genetics and cancer is the mutation known as the BRCA gene. If you have a loved one that has recently developed cancer, then you probably want to determine your own susceptibility to developing the same type of cancer. Genetic testing is the first step, and then regular screenings and other prevention methods will lead to early detection or prevention of certain types of cancers.

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Below, you will learn what you need to know about the gene mutation BRCA:
• Genetic cancers are rare:
While you will notice that your family's history regarding cancer is a major focus of cancer screening questions, it is actually rare to contract a hereditary form of cancer. Only 5-10% of cancers are hereditary.
• BRCA is a gene mutation:
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are gene mutations that result in an inability for your cells to replicate properly. Those who have the gene mutation BRCA have an increased risk for breast and ovarian cancers.
• BRCA is the leading cause of hereditary cancer:
While only 5-10% of cancers are hereditary, the gene mutation BRCA makes up 25% of hereditary cancer cases. This means that if you carry the gene mutation BRCA, you have a significantly higher chance of contracting cancer than someone who does not carry this gene mutation. On average 45-65% of women carrying the gene mutation BRCA will develop breast cancer, while only 12% of women in the general population will develop breast cancer. As much as 39% of women carrying the gene mutation BRCA (depending upon the type of gene mutation carried) will develop ovarian cancer in their lifetime, while only 1.4% of women in the general population will develop ovarian cancer in their lifetime.
• BRCA is more common in certain types of heritages:
Studies have shown that certain heritages are more likely to carry the gene mutation BRCA than others. Women with Ashkenazi Jewish heritage have the highest likelihood of carrying the gene mutation. In addition, women with Icelandic, Norwegian, and Dutch heritages all have a higher likelihood of carrying the gene mutation.
• Hereditary cancers are likely to develop at a younger age than nonhereditary cancers:
A woman's chances of developing cancer under age 40 is unlikely. However, those carrying the gene mutation BRCA will in all likelihood develop cancer at a younger age.
• The importance of genetic testing:
Since hereditary cancers are so rare, it is only necessary to receive genetic testing to locate the BRCA gene mutation if you fall into the following family factors: cancer detected before age 50, cancer in both breasts, more than one family member on the same side with a breast or ovarian cancer diagnosis, a multiple cancer diagnosis, and Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cancer-articles/what-you-need-to-know-about-brca-and-breast-cancer-7214913.html

About the Author
Here at The Polyclinic, our doctors are in charge. This means they have the power to put you first. Visit our page on https://www.polyclinic.com/FAQ-BRCA-Genetic-Testing/ to see our page!