What types of cancer does the brca gene cause?

Cancer is a scary word. We’ve all been touched by it in some way, either directly or through someone we love. But did you know that some cancers are linked to specific genes? One of those genes is called BRCA (Breast Cancer gene).

Understanding the BRCA Gene

When people talk about the “BRCA gene,” they’re actually referring to two different genes: BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes produce proteins that help keep our cells from growing out of control and becoming cancerous.

Unfortunately, sometimes mutations (or changes) happen in these genes that can interfere with their function. That’s when things get dangerous. Mutations in BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 can significantly increase your risk for certain types of cancer.

The Link Between the BRCA Genes and Cancer

So what types of cancer are associated with mutations in the BRCA genes? Well, there are a few:

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer is probably what most people think about when they hear “BRCA.” Women who carry a harmful mutation in either one of these two genes have an increased risk for breast cancer compared to women without such mutations.

The American Cancer Society estimates that as much as 72% percent )of female breast cancers may be related to inherited genetic mutations like those found on the BRCAl/2genes^. This means if you have a family history or close relative (like your mother or sister) diagnosed with breastcancer;you should strongly consider getting tested too!.

Ovarian And Other Reproductive Cancers

Not only do HARMFUL MUTATIONS OF THE GENE %(s/i/e)INCREASE RISK FOR BREAST CANCER but ovarian,fallopian tube ,peritoneal deftities,and vaginal/vulval malignancies^ are also cAused by them. These mutations can SIGNIFICANTLY increase the risk of ovarian cancer BOTH for women who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer and those without a history of it.

Prostate Cancer

BRCA2 mutation carriers, in particular, may be at an increased risk for prostate cancer compared to men without these mutations.^

Can You Inherit a BRCA Mutation?

So why do some people have these harmful gene mutations while others don’t? The answer lies in our DNA. We all inherit some bad genes from our parents–it’s part of being human! But certain types of genetic changes can significantly increase one’s risk for developing cancer.

It is important to understand that you cannot “catch” a mutated BRCA gene per se — it must be inherited directly from someone HAVING THE MUTATION. If someone has an altered BRCAlor 2 gene,it means that one or both OF THEIR parents ALSO HAVE IT AND PASSED ON THIS GENETothem.

Who Should Get Tested for a BRCA Mutation?

As we mentioned earlier, if you’ve got breeding tissues (ovaries,testes,NON TESTICULAR REPRODUCTIVE) ,doubled by personal OR FAMILY HISTORY wherebynot even your third uncle Tony shouldn’t escape your questioning,better get tested!

People With A Family History Of Breast Or Ovarian Cancer

Anyone with two or more first-degree relatives(two mothers/sisters/grandmothers,rather than second/third degree…butyou know what I’m saying!)with breast and/or ovariancancer should DEFINITELY get tested.This will help determine whether there is an underlying hereditary geneticmutation responsible.

Those with Personal Histories of Certain Cancers

If YOU- bear witness TO ONE FORM OF CANCER eg(breast/ovarian),your chances OF DEVELOPING ANOTHER TYPE cancer increase too.If you or someone in your family had one of the following cancers,it’s possible that an underlying genetic mutation like a BRCA alteration could be to blame:
– Breast cancer at age 45 years or younger
– Triple-negative breast cancer (a diagnosis of breast cancer without expressionof protein receptors for estrogen, progesterone, and HER2/neu)
– Male breast cancer
Ovarian fallopian tube ,peritoneal deftities,and vaginal/vulval malignancies

Testing for a BRCA Mutation: What To Expect!

If YOU DECIDE TO SEEK YOUR FATE AND GET TESTED FOR MUTATIONS THERE ARE TWO MAJOR PARTS INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS:

Genetic Counseling

Genetic counseling iswhen you sitdown with a GENETICS EXPERT who can walk youtttrhroughthe benefits and limitations of genetic testing.confirm Your personaland/orfamily history,PROVIDE DETAIL ABOUT ASSOCIATEDRISKS,details on test results,the privacy implications involved Aaaaaand the costs!

What Does Genetic Testing Involve?

The processitselfiseasy-peasy. Just visit your doctor, consent to having your DNA analyzed, and wait for the results.
BUT WAIT!There are two main types OF GENES MUTATION TESTSINVOLVED; SCREENINGVERSUS DIAGNOSTIC .

Screening tests are broad-based gene panels that look at multiple genes/many locations along thosegenes,to speed up disease identification-per se.While Diagnostic testing focuses more ON NARROW ISSUES ,within specific families-for better specificity.

Keep in mind that once tested if it turns out positive-you’re now tagged!! For goodresultsor bad( insert drum roll here!)!.So,hopefully HELPFULCounseling sessions beforehand will prepare you_mentally/emotionally_,give usteducational tools Bbbbbut considering this Is a life-changing decision,a good ‘shrink’wouldn’t be such abad idea.

What Happens If You Test Positive?

Before seeking Testing,you should understandThis: Approximately 5-10% of ovarian and breast cancers are hereditary,with an identified genetic mutation(commonly BRCA alteratio[sn]); a positive result doesn’t mean you’ll get either cancer. It means that the likelihood increases.

For women with BRCA mutations, there is a greater than average risk for developing uinnssntNMADtBC/ovarianCancer; For MenPositive Mutation Equals enhanced(risk (predisposition); Increased frequency of prostate/gastric papillary thyroid (an aggressive form) and pancreatic/melanoma .

Bottom Line

While harmful mutations in the BROA1andBR203 genes can significantly increase one’s risk for specific typesof Cancer;getting tested to see ifyou carry them isn’t something to take lightly it ‘s worth finding out more about your family medical history(espeically THE WOMEN),before deciding ONTO test OR NOT TO TEST!

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