To say that some women are predisposed to breast cancer or ovarian cancer is not a totally accurate statement. Women with an abnormality (mutation) in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene have a higher lifetime risk of developing breast cancer or ovarian cancer. For example, a woman with an mutation in a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene is statistically 3 to 7 times more likely to develop breast cancer than a woman without this genetic alteration.
However, not every woman with an altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene will get breast cancer or ovarian cancer. Women with a mutation in BRCA1 have a 50% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. Women with a mutation in BRCA2 have a 50%-60% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer.
Remember, genetics is just one of many known risk factors for breast cancer. In fact, most cases of breast cancer do not involve an altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Statistics show that, at most, 1 in 10 breast cancers cases involve an inherited altered gene. Furthermore, not all cases of breast cancer in patients with a family history of breast cancer involve genetic alterations in BRCA1 or BRCA2.
Of course, we cannot control our genetic make-up. A woman
with a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 can consider medical options for prevention of breast cancer or ovarian cancer.
Fortunately, there are many risk factors for breast cancer and ovarian cancer that every woman can control. The key is to not allow yourself to be consumed by worry. A healthy lifestyle and a positive attitude are great contributors to maintaining wellness.
REFERENCES
1. American Cancer Society. Glossary. |
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