Saturday, November 12

“Each of us is born with two copies of about 100,000 different genes contained in each cell. Genes are tiny segments of DNA that control how cells function, such as telling them when to divide and grow. One copy of each gene comes from your mother; the other is from your father. A gene can develop an abnormality that changes how the cell works. More than one faulty gene has been found in women with breast cancer. BRCA1 was the first gene detected that increased a woman’s risk for breast and ovarian cancer. The presence of this gene produces a greater than 80 percent risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer by age 85. An estimated one in 600 women carry this gene. The risk of developing a second breast cancer among individuals carrying the BRCA1 gene is 65 percent. Bilateral breast cancer (cancer in both breasts) is also common in women who carry this gene. A second gene, BRCA2, also plays a major part in breast cancer. Less information is available on the function of this gene; however, scientists do know that it is associated with a similar risk of developing breast cancer among carriers. BRCA2 may also account for some small percentage of male breast cancer.

Both the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can be inherited from either parent. Therefore, the father’s family history of breast cancer is also important. Men or women who carry one of these gene mutations have a 50/50 chance of passing it on to each of their children. Usually, these BRCA genes help to prevent cancer by creating proteins that keep cells from growing abnormally. But, if an abnormal BRCA1 or BRCA2 is inherited, you may be more susceptible to developing cancer during your lifetime. In addition, women with an altered BRCA gene usually have an increased risk of developing breast cancer at a younger age (before menopause). However, it’s important to note that not all women who carry these genes will develop cancer. At-risk families can take blood tests to screen for mutations in these genes. However, genetic testing is done only when definitely indicated by a strong personal or family history. Genetic testing may also be used to determine if a woman who has already been diagnosed with breast cancer is at an increased risk for a second breast cancer or ovarian cancer.”

And then also from that site:

“The genes that can result in hereditary breast cancer have a mutation in either the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 genes. One is located on chromosome 13 and one is on chromosome 17. They can be passed from generation to generation by either the mother or father.  Those with a mutation or change in these genes have a 90% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer and up to a 50% chance of developing ovarian cancer.”

Out of my four boys, one has tested positive for the gene and one has not, leaving two that still need to get the mouth swab.  It’s really not something you want to pass on to your children but I am hopeful that with modern science and technologies, breast cancer risk will be much easier to monitor or perhaps they will find a way to suppress the gene.  My dad feels badly that he passed the gene on to some of his daughters but he and I agree with this philosophy- even if science could detect the gene in an embryo and therefore give someone the power to abort it, I wouldn’t chose that.  I am so grateful that I was given life!

Daily boys- Alex and Mike- at Mike’s wedding- August 4, 2011