BRCA Gene Testing to Lower Breast Cancer Risk

There are countless factors involved in developing breast cancer. Some factors, including environmental, habitual, and genetic, are common leading causes of breast cancer. A family history of genetic mutation or breast cancer throughout generations is dangerous among all these factors. 

Breast cancer is quite common in females. However, that doesn’t mean men are safe from developing male breast cancer. Treatments, diagnoses, and tests for breast cancer vary from one person to another. This article explains how BRCA gene mutations increase your risk of developing breast cancer. 

BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes

The BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that regulate the cell growth of your DNA to prevent tumours and cancers from developing.

Everyone, from a baby to an adult, has two copies of BRCA1 and BRCA2. In rare situations, one gene of the pair is changed or mutated. This leads to the excessive and rapid growth of cells in the DNA. The gene mutations damaged the DNA.

Since BRCA1 and BRCA2 are breast cells, the DNA gets damaged in the breast area when there is a change in either of these BRCA genes. It leads to breast cancer. You can now go for BRCA gene testing to assess if you have the mutation, and take preventative action. 

4 Things to Know About BRCA Gene Mutation 

BRCA gene mutations are sporadic. However, if someone is a carrier of these mutations, they can be inherited. BRCA gene mutations are inherited from generation to generation. For example, if one of your parents had a BRCA gene mutation, you will also get it. 

Luckily, having a gene mutation doesn’t always mean you will develop cancer. Some people get these gene mutations from their parents and pass them down to their children. These types of people are known as mutants or silent carriers. 

Here are some things you should know about BRCA gene mutation; 

  • BRCA gene mutation can occur in both men and women. These mutations can be passed down to their biological children. 
  • Men with BRCA gene mutations mostly become silent carriers. On the other hand, women with gene mutations have a higher risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. 
  • BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are responsible for half of the family members with an identifiable genetic disorder of inherited cancer. 
  • Early detection through BRCA gene testing can lower the risk of developing cancer. 

4 Signs You Should Go for BRCA Gene Testing

Healthcare professionals mostly rely on the family medical history to decide whether a female has a BRCA gene mutation. However, that doesn’t always work. If you want to assess whether the BRCA gene mutation runs in your family, keep account of these signs; 

  • Blood relative having a history of male breast cancer, ovarian or fallopian tube cancer, or triple-negative breast cancer
  • Any family member having cancer before the age of 50
  • Having more than one blood relative on the same side of the family with breast, ovarian, prostate, pancreatic, or melanoma cancer. 
  • You have a medical history of breast, ovarian, fallopian, or peritoneal cancer. 

BRCA Gene Test 

If you have any of the signs mentioned above in you or your family member, going for the test is the safest option. These gene mutations make it easy and common for women to develop breast cancer. Luckily, early detection and preventative surgery of mutation carriers in BRCA genes can save you in the long run. 

It is a medical non-invasive test that examines your DNA to identify if there is any gene mutation. This test reveals if you are at an increased risk of getting breast cancer. With the help of this test, your doctor can take the necessary steps to reduce the risk of cancer. 

Conclusion 

You are most likely to have a BRCA mutation if you have a strong family history of gene mutation or cancer. The best course of action to be sure is to go for a gene test. It’s one of the safest methods to determine whether you have the risk of developing cancer.