Do you have a family with breast cancer? Are you wondering what your chances of inheriting the conditions are? Thanks to advanced research in the Breast Cancer Preventive Test in India, it is now easier to answer your question.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the two mutations in genes that have primarily been identified as the genetic cause of breast cancer. But not everyone who gets breast cancer inherited or acquired from their family. And also, not everyone with mutations in their BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.
So, how do these genes affect breast cancer? Should you go for the Breast Cancer Preventive Test in India? We will answer your questions in this article. So, read on to know more about how you can find out if you have the mutations.
Effects of Genes on Breast Cancer
Cancer is generally a health condition that results from some of the changes to your genes. Your genes are the carriers of instructions that tell the proteins in your cells how to behave.
When a gene changes or mutates, it can cause proteins and cells to develop in abnormal ways. This can result in cancer.
An individual can be born with certain gene mutations, called an inherited mutation. For example, about 5-10% of breast cancer are said to be hereditary. However, some of your genes may also mutate later in life because of environmental or other factors.
Breast cancer can also be developed due to some specific mutations.
These affected genes in your body tend to regulate body functioning, including cell growth and the DNA in the reproductive organs and breast tissue. BRCA Testing for Breast Cancer can help you find these gene mutations.
BRCA genes and breast cancer
BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the protein-making genes that help repair your DNA when it gets damaged. When these genes are mutated, it results in the growth of abnormal cells. These abnormal cells can cause cancer.
It has been observed that about 70 percent of women born with a BRCA gene mutation will develop breast cancer. These women are also at the risk of developing other cancers, including:
- Melanoma
- Ovarian Cancer
- Colon Cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
Also, men having BRCA2 mutation have an increased risk of developing male breast cancer.
The high-risk group of individuals should conduct a BRCA1 and BRCA2 Lab Test if they have:
- Family members having breast cancer
- Close family members who have developed breast cancer before the age of 50
- Family members diagnosed with ovarian cancer
- Male relatives developing breast cancer
- Family members tested and found to be a carrier of BRCA gene mutation
Other genes that can affect breast cancer
In addition to BRCA1 and BRCA2, other genes can increase your risk of developing breast cancer if you have inherited a mutation.
These genes are:
- CDH1
- PALB2
- PTEN
- TP53
Considerations for Breast Cancer Preventive Test in India
You should consider getting genetic testing if you meet any of the above criteria that increases your risk of having BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.
BRCA Testing for Breast Cancer is usually a simple blood or saliva test. After your conversation with a genetic counsellor or a doctor, a sample of your saliva or blood will be sent to the lab. The lab will look for any mutations. Post test, a genetic counsellor will help you analyse the results and its significance.
A negative genetic test indicates that a breast cancer gene mutation was not identified in the tested genes. Therefore, it means that you possess the same risk of getting cancer as someone in the general population who has a family history of breast cancer.
If a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation has not been previously discovered in your family, you should cautiously interpret the negative result. This is because there are some chances that you are at higher risk for breast cancer because of changes in genes other than those that doctors can test for.
A positive BRCA test means that a mutation was identified, and you are at higher risk of having breast and ovarian cancer.
Women having BRCA mutations should talk to an expert genetic counsellor or a doctor to determine their future corrective actions. Taking certain steps to modify their lifestyle can help in delaying cancer or preventing it altogether.
