It's normal to feel a little scared and worried when you find out that someone in your family, perhaps your mother, sister, or daughter, has breast cancer. "If they had it, will I get it too?" You may be wondering. Is there really a connection between breast cancer and our genes? Yes, there is a connection to some extent. But it's not as simple as we think. Let's talk about this in detail and simply today.
First, let's understand what 'gene' means.
Okay, this is very simple. Imagine that our body is a big building. Each cell in this building is like a brick. So each of these bricks has a big instruction book written about how to behave and what to do. That instruction book is what we call genes . These are tiny pieces made up of something called DNA.
There are over 20,000 of these genes in every cell in our body. We get two copies of each of these genes, one from our mother and one from our father. So these genes control not only things like our skin color and hair texture, but also how our cells grow and function.
Sometimes, small changes and mistakes can occur in these genes. We call these mutations . Imagine, what happens if one letter on one page of that instruction book is wrong? The entire instruction changes, right? That's what happens when a mutation occurs in a gene. It can change the normal functioning of cells.
What are the main genes associated with breast cancer?
Although there are several genes associated with breast cancer, two of the most important and talked about are the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 .
Normally, these two BRCA genes are very important for our bodies. Their job is to prevent cancer from occurring. They're like the guardians of our cells. When cells try to grow uncontrollably, proteins made by these genes go out and stop it.
However, if you inherit a mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene from your mother or father, the protective effect is reduced. This increases the chance that those abnormal cells will grow out of control and become cancerous, or the risk. About 20% to 25% of hereditary breast cancers are caused by mutations in these BRCA genes .
Facts that raise doubts about whether this is a genetic risk
Not everyone who has breast cancer has this genetic predisposition. But there are some things that can give you a little idea. If any of the following apply to you, you may have a genetic mutation linked to breast cancer. It is important to talk to your doctor about this.
| Risk Factor | Simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Diagnosing breast cancer before the age of 45 . | The occurrence of cancer at a young age may be a clue to a genetic influence. |
| Several family members have had breast or ovarian cancer. | If several people, like your mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, had these diseases. |
| You have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer . | BRCA gene mutations also increase the risk of ovarian cancer. |
| A male family member has or has had breast cancer. | Because breast cancer is rare in men, it is a strong indication of a genetic link. |
| Diagnosis of cancer in both breasts (Bilateral Breast Cancer). | Cancer develops in one breast, then cancer develops in the other breast. |
| Diagnosing triple negative breast cancer before the age of 60. | This is a special, aggressive type of breast cancer that is strongly associated with the BRCA1 mutation. |
How do these genes come from generation to generation?
Imagine if your mother or father had this mutated BRCA gene. Then you have a 50% chance of getting it. Just like flipping a coin, there's a 50% chance of getting heads or tails. If you get that gene, your children have a 50% chance of getting it too.
But the important thing here is that just having this mutated gene in the body doesn't mean everyone will develop cancer . It just increases the risk of developing cancer.
What are the risks associated with these genetic mutations?
A woman who inherits a mutated BRCA1 gene has a 55% to 65% risk of developing breast cancer by the age of 70. For someone with a mutated BRCA2 gene, this risk is about 45%.
In addition to this risk, there are several other factors:
- Cancer at a young age: The risk of cancer is generally higher before menopause .
- Second cancer: A person with a BRCA gene mutation has an increased risk of developing a second breast cancer (a separate new cancer) after cancer in one breast has been cured.
- Other cancer risks: These genetic mutations significantly increase the risk of not only breast cancer, but also ovarian cancer in particular. In men, they may also increase the risk of prostate cancer and pancreatic cancer.
Who does genetic testing?
There are now blood tests to check for mutations in these BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. But this is not a test for everyone.
These genetic tests are usually only recommended for those with the risk factors we discussed above, such as a strong family history. This test can also help determine the risk of a second cancer or ovarian cancer for a woman who has already had breast cancer.
You should discuss this test with your doctor before deciding whether to have it. He or she will consider your family history, your age, and other risk factors and will give you the best advice. You can also discuss with your doctor what to do with the results of this test (e.g., more frequent testing, risk-reducing surgery).
Take-Home Message
- A small percentage of breast cancers are caused by genetic factors. Just because someone in your family has it doesn't mean you will get it.
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that protect us from cancer. Mutations in these genes can increase the risk of cancer.
- Having a mutated gene doesn't mean you have a 100% chance of developing cancer, but it does mean your risk is increased.
- If you have any doubts or concerns about your family history of breast or ovarian cancer, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor about it.
- Genetic testing is not something that is done for everyone. Its need is determined by a doctor after reviewing your personal and family medical history.
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