Is breast cancer a genetic disease?
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Johns Hopkins Medicine answered:There is no doubt that breast cancer can run in families, so it's likely that there is a hereditary factor. It is important to note that only about 10 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history. Just because one of your relatives had breast cancer does not mean you are absolutely fated to develop it.
Scientists have identified two genes, BRCA 1 and BRCA 2, that seem to be associated with an increased risk for breast cancer. In fact, five to ten percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer will be carriers of one of these mutations.
There is no doubt that breast cancer can run in families, so it's likely that there is a hereditary factor. It is important to note that only about 10 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family history. Just because one of your... More -
Dr. Dean Ornish answered:Genes also play a role in the risk of breast cancer, but they exert a major role in only a minority of women. The BReast CAncer, or BRCA, genes 1 and 2 increase the risk of breast cancer, but only about 5 percent of breast cancers are due to these genes.
Women who have BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene changes have a 36 to 85 percent chance of developing breast cancer and a 16 to 60 percent chance of developing ovarian cancer during their lifetimes. These numbers show a wide range of risk and depend on other personal and family history. In a small study, it showed that men with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene changes have about a 6 percent chance of developing breast cancer by age 70 and a 16 percent chance of developing prostate cancer by age 70.
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Genes also play a role in the risk of breast cancer, but they exert a major role in only a minority of women. The BReast CAncer, or BRCA, genes 1 and 2 increase the risk of breast cancer, but only about 5 percent of breast cancers are due to... More -
NorthShore University HealthSystem answered:Rarely, defective genes that can raise the risk of breast cancer run in families. Several such genes have been identified, but the two most common are BRCA1 and BRCA2. Less than 1 percent of all women possess these genes, which are usually found in Ashkenazi Jews and people of Dutch, Norwegian, or Icelandic descent. A woman with either gene may face a 50 to 85 percent chance of developing breast cancer by age 80, but she is not necessarily at any greater risk of dying form the disease than other breast cancer patients. Men with these genes also face a higher risk of breast cancer.
Women with these genes may need to be screened for breast cancer more often than other women. They may choose to take medications to prevent breast cancer, although these drugs can have serious side effects. Some women may decide to have their healthy breasts removed before cancer has a chance to develop.
Rarely, defective genes that can raise the risk of breast cancer run in families. Several such genes have been identified, but the two most common are BRCA1 and BRCA2. Less than 1 percent of all women possess these genes, which are usually found... More -
Dr. Ajay Sahajpal of Aurora Health Care answered:Breast cancer can be part of specific genetic syndromes linked to genes like BRCA1 or BRCA2 or part of other inherited syndromes that are well defined. Also, people with a very strong family history of breast cancer are at risk for it even if we can't identify the gene mutation. The vast majority of breast cancer is still considered sporadic, however, so we don't have direct genetic link.
Liked by 1 practitionerBreast cancer can be part of specific genetic syndromes linked to genes like BRCA1 or BRCA2 or part of other inherited syndromes that are well defined. Also, people with a very strong family history of breast cancer are at risk for it even if we... More -
Dr. Suzanne Mahon of Honor Society of Nursing (STTI) answered:About 5 to 10% of breast cancers are due to genetic transmission from one parent to offspring. About 85% of these are due to mutations in the BRCA1/BRCA2 genes. There is genetic testing for these genes. If a woman wants genetic testing she should see a masters prepared genetic counselor (www.nsgc.org) or a credentialed genetic nurse (http://www.geneticnurse.org/advancedpracticeapng.html )
About 5 to 10% of breast cancers are due to genetic transmission from one parent to offspring. About 85% of these are due to mutations in the BRCA1/BRCA2 genes. There is genetic testing for these genes. If a woman wants genetic testing she should... More -
Dr. Keith Steward answered:Only 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer cases are thought to be hereditary. The two most common genes associated with breast cancer - BRCA1 and BRCA2 - can be inherited from either parent. Therefore, the father's family history of breast cancer is important as well.
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 family history.
Only 5 to 10 percent of breast cancer cases are thought to be hereditary. The two most common genes associated with breast cancer - BRCA1 and BRCA2 - can be inherited from either parent. Therefore, the father's family history of breast cancer is... More
