Women with a mother, sister, or daughter diagnosed with breast cancer have nearly twice the risk of developing the disease. When breast cancer strikes in families, particularly at a younger age, doctors often suspect genes are to blame.
Between 5 percent and 10 percent of breast cancers are caused by genetic problems. "Two genes — BRCA1 and BRCA2 — are the most common genes responsible for hereditary breast cancer," explains Evelyn Minaya, M.D. , of Riverview Medical Center. "Normally, these genes help keep cells from growing out of control. Defective genes fail at that task."
Women in the general population face a 12 percent risk for breast cancer over their lifetime. But women with defective copies of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have a 50 percent to 85 percent chance of developing breast cancer, often before age 50. These women also face a higher chance for ovarian cancer.
A blood test can check for mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 and help your loved one make decisions about steps to reduce cancer risk.
"Before getting tested, she should talk with her doctor about genetic counseling," advises Dr. Minaya. "Such counseling can help her understand whether testing is appropriate, what the benefits and risks are, and what genetic testing can and can't tell us."
There are no standard criteria for who should be tested. A woman may think about testing if she has:
Board certified in Gynecology
Tinton Falls | 732-530-5550
Genes Gone Wrong
Between 5 percent and 10 percent of breast cancers are caused by genetic problems. "Two genes — BRCA1 and BRCA2 — are the most common genes responsible for hereditary breast cancer," explains Evelyn Minaya, M.D. , of Riverview Medical Center. "Normally, these genes help keep cells from growing out of control. Defective genes fail at that task."
Women in the general population face a 12 percent risk for breast cancer over their lifetime. But women with defective copies of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have a 50 percent to 85 percent chance of developing breast cancer, often before age 50. These women also face a higher chance for ovarian cancer.
Consider Genetic Counseling
Breast cancer related to genes is most common in families who have multiple members with the disease. You may fear that because you and other women in your family have had breast cancer, your daughters or granddaughters are going to develop the disease, too. But not every woman who has a family history of inherited breast cancer carries the defective gene.A blood test can check for mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 and help your loved one make decisions about steps to reduce cancer risk.
"Before getting tested, she should talk with her doctor about genetic counseling," advises Dr. Minaya. "Such counseling can help her understand whether testing is appropriate, what the benefits and risks are, and what genetic testing can and can't tell us."
There are no standard criteria for who should be tested. A woman may think about testing if she has:
- Two first-degree family members with breast cancer
- A blood relative with the harmful mutation
- A family history of breast or ovarian cancer
About the Doctor
Evelyn Minaya, M.D.Board certified in Gynecology
Tinton Falls | 732-530-5550
