Genetic Predisposition to Breast Cancer

Although genetics plays a role in all cancers, one single genetic alteration is not enough for a cancer to form, says Dr. Lisa Curcio. Even women with BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 gene alterations (the genes that have been found to be associated with breast and ovarian cancer) are not guaranteed to develop cancer. They are clearly at a much greater risk for the development of breast and ovarian cancer but other factors still come into play. According to Dr. Curcio, women who test positive for the BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 genes have an 80 to 90% chance of developing cancer. But this gene alteration accounts for only five to nine percent of all breast cancers diagnosed. Other internal and external factors are involved in the formation of a cancer.

Dr. Lisa Curcio works with Myriad Genetic Laboratories, a leader in cancer predisposition testing. Myriad discovered the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes that are responsible for the hereditary breast and ovarian cancers, and provides the most accurate clinical tests available to determine predisposition to cancer, specifically the BRCA Analysis® for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

There are ways to reduce your risk or overcome cancer in your lifetime. If a risk of cancer runs in your family, genetic testing may be an important step for you. Genetic testing can give you answers about your risk of inherited cancers by analyzing your genes for mutations responsible for inherited cancer risk.

Genetic testing also provides information important to your family members, especially close relatives. If it is found that you have inherited the gene mutations,and the increase risk for cancer, there's chance that your parents may have passed this gene on to you and they may also be at increased risk. Also, if you have children, each one of them has a 50% chance of inheriting a gene that you may have discovered.

Click here to read the case study of DeAnna, patient of Dr. Lisa Curcio and founder of www.momswithcancer.org.

Visit www.myriadtests.com for more information and be sure to schedule an appointment with the specialist at Advanced Breast Care Specialists to learn more genetic testing and risk factors.

Also, view patient videos at www.myriadtests.com/patient-videos.php

Some helpful terms and definitions courtesy of Myriad Genetics:

Benign
A benign growth or benign tumor is not malignant (cancerous) and can not spread to other parts of the body. Benign growths are almost always less dangerous than malignant ones.

BRCA1 (BReast CAncer 1) Gene and BRCA2 (BReast CAncer 2) Gene
The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes normally help to control cell growth. Mutations in either gene significantly increase a person's risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. In addition to having a higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, women with mutations in either BRCA1 or BRCA2 tend to develop the disease at a much earlier age than women in the general population.

Chromosomes (KRO-mo-some)
The part of the cell that contains genetic information. People have 23 pairs of chromosomes, 46 in all: 44 autosomes and two sex chromosomes. Each parent contributes one chromosome to each pair, so children get half of their chromosomes from their mothers and half from their fathers.

First Degree Relative
A relative who is a person's biological mother, father, full sibling, or child. Step parents, step children, or half siblings are not first degree relatives.

Gene
A segment of DNA that contains the instructions to make a specific protein (or part of a protein). Genes are contained on chromosomes. Chromosomes, and the genes on those chromosomes, are passed on from parent to child. Errors in the DNA that make up a gene are called mutations and can lead to diseases.

Disease-Causing Mutation
A change or alteration that occurs in the DNA. These mutations cause or predispose an individual to a specific disease.

Hereditary
A gene change in the body's reproductive cells (egg or sperm) that becomes incorporated into the DNA of every cell in the body of offspring; hereditary mutations are passed on from parents to offspring. Also called germline mutation.

Mutation
Any alteration in a gene from its natural state. The alterations may be disease-causing or just a normal variation that causes no harm.

Prophylactic Mastectomy
Surgery to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by removing one or both breasts before disease develops. Also called preventive mastectomy.

Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator (SERM)
A drug that acts like estrogen on some tissues but blocks the effect of estrogen on other tissues. Tamoxifen and raloxifene are SERMs.

Contact Dr. Lisa Curcio to discuss your risk for breast cancer . Dr. Curcio is a breast cancer heredity risk specialist and she can advise you on your breast cancer risk.

Visit "Advanced Breast Care Specialists of Orange County"  in Mission Viejo, California.

 

Speaker's Information: As a breast cancer survivor and breast cancer surgeon, Dr. Lisa Curcio is available to share her story. Dr. Curcio is a strong advocate for breast cancer research, treatment and education. If you would like Dr. Lisa Curcio to speak with your group, organization or association, please call our office at 949.770.0797 and we would be happy to discuss your request.