Normal genetic testing results don't guarantee healthy genes. In some families, many women have had breast cancer, yet they all test normal for the known breast cancer gene mutations. These families may have an inherited form of breast cancer caused by a genetic abnormality that either (a) recently has been discovered by scientists, but is not detected by tests commercially available in some countries, or (b) has not been identified by scientists yet.
For example, a recent study involved 300 people who, despite a strong family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer, had negative results by tests commercially available in the U.S. and that were designed to detect abnormalities in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Follow-up testing by methods that are experimental in the U.S. revealed that 12% of these people had other mutations in BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 genes that are not detected by the tests commercially available in the U.S.[1, 2]
Abnormal genes are just one of many risk factors for breast cancer. Most cases of breast cancer do not involve an altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Statistics show that, at most, 1 in 10 breast cancer cases involve an inherited altered gene. The bottom line is that the absence of altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes is not a guarantee against developing breast cancer.
You can take charge of maintaining breast health. Be diligent about monitoring your breasts, and stay current with monthly self breast exams and annual clinical breast exams and mammograms.
The key is to not allow yourself to be consumed by worry. A healthy lifestyle and a positive attitude are great contributors to maintaining breast health.
REFERENCES
1. T. Walsh, Journal of the American Medical Association. 2006; 295:1378-1388.
2. M. Hitti. Breast cancer gene tests incomplete? WebMD. 03/21/06. Accessed at www.webmd.com.
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