What is Breast Cancer Genetics Meaning?

A Quick 'Crash Course'

To understand the role of Genetics in Breast Cancer, you first must understand what they really are. Consider a gene as a blueprint for your body. Most these come in pairs. You get one from your mother and one from your father. They determine everything about your body, including your hair color and your height.

Sometimes there are 'flukes' or mistakes in this blueprint. These are called mutations. Most of the time, these mutations are very small and do not cause problems in your body.

As families grow, all of their information including mutations are passed down from the parents to the children. Some alterations can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.

There are two genes that when altered or mutated can be linked with the incidence of breast cancer. These are Breast Cancer Gene 1(BRCA 1) and Breast Cancer Gene 2 (BRCA2). These are found in both men and women and can be passed down from either the mother or father.

If a woman does have a BRCA1 or BRCA 2 mutation, it does not mean that the woman will have a 100% chance of developing breast cancer. It just means that she will be at a higher risk that a woman without one of these mutations.

Who should have their Genetics Tested?

Testing of your genes should only be done it your doctor thinks you may be at a high risk of developing breast cancer.

The results from the test can be life-changing. If your test results show that you do have a BRCA1 or BRCA 2 mutation, you may be encouraged by your doctor to:

• Start a preventive medication such as Tamoxifen.
• Have a preventive mastectomy, or removal of all breast tissue
• Have a preventive oophorectomy or removal of both ovaries

Other information about Genetics:

Here is some more information relating to breast cancer and genes:

• Most breast cancers are not linked to an inherited mutations. Only about 1 in 10 can be linked to these inherited BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.
• You never inherit breast cancer, but rather just inherit the increased risk for developing it.
• The testing of your genes does not tell you if you have cancer or it you will definitely get breast cancer. It merely tells you if you are at increased risk for developing it
• If you have Jewish ancestors that came from Eastern or Central Europe, you have an automatically increased risk for having an inherited mutation that increases your risk for Breast Cancer. Be sure to notify your doctor about your family history.
• Most women with breast cancer have no family history of the disease.