Genetic Risk Factors for Breast Cancer

By Dr. Kathleen Ruddy

Breast cancer has emerged as a serious health problem, and the need to better identify its risk factors is hoped to enhance treatment and prevention efforts. Medical studies have recently found that 5-10 percent of breast cancer occurrences are hereditary, that is, passed on from a parent. To better understand this, scientists have incorporated gene expression methods to gain a definition of the genes responsible for breast cancer. The information gathered has proved invaluable in determining the treatment options and survival rates of breast cancer patients.

What are the Breast Cancer Risk Factors?

Risk factors strongly affect the chances of individuals getting breast cancer. That said, the breast cancer risk factors are different. Some an individual cannot change, like age, race, and gender. Other risk factors are linked to personal behavior like smoking, diet, and alcohol intake.

What are the Genetic Factors?

Genetic risk factors are as a result of defective gene expression in the parent being passed on to the child. More specifically, the genes responsible are the breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. In normal scenarios, these two genes prevent the occurrence of cancer by producing proteins that prevent abnormal growth of cells. Individuals with breast cancer will have mutated copies of these genes. Children who inherit a copy from one parent have an 80 percent chance of developing the disease.

DID YOU KNOW?

Race and gender play an important factor in the development of breast cancer. Simply being a woman puts them at risk of developing the disease. Also, Caucasian women have higher chances of developing breast cancer than African-American women, although only slightly. In women under 45 years of age Hispanic and Asian women have lower odds of developing the disease.

Are There Other Genes That can Cause Breast Cancer?

The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are not the only ones that can cause inherited breast cancer. There exist other genes that can cause development of the disease, but these are often rare and do not have the high risks associated with the BRCA genes. As such, they are rarely discussed.

How do Doctors Test for BRCA?

To test whether the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have mutated, doctors will draw a small blood sample and analyze the DNA for defects. In addition to being at a higher risk of developing breast cancer, women who show a defective definition of either of the two genes are at a greater risk of developing other cancers, notably ovarian and colon cancer.

Who Should be Genetically Tested?

Genetic testing is sometimes viewed to be a controversial issue with some health care providers and professionals. Regardless, women with a family history of breast cancer are generally considered to be the ideal candidates for testing. However, testing is not exclusive to them, and any woman interested in being tested should consult their doctor first. Genetic testing is expensive and sometimes not readily available, depending on region. In some cases the results don’t provide clarity either. It should be carefully considered before being undertaken.

Can Development of Breast Cancer be Reduced Even if the Genes are Present?

Women with increased chances of breast cancer as a result of defective BRCA gene expression presence can do some things to reduce them. Lifestyle changes are at the top of the list, and these include better diet, avoiding alcohol/tobacco, and more exercise. Apart from these, the most important action a woman can take is to get tested often. Early detection may not prevent development, but it will help come up with a treatment strategy that might be successful.

The science behind gene expression and definition in relation to the BRCA genes might be a tad complicated to most, but the message is clear. Women need to get tested early and often. Early detection has proved to be successful in the fight against breast cancer. Genetic testing is important too, but is sometimes expensive and the results inconclusive. It has consequences that also need to be considered, and as such should only be done when the presence of the mutated genes is highly likely.

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