What is BRCA.
BRCA Gene testing for breast cancer is about identifying a cancer gene in a person through a blood test.
BRCA Gene.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are a type of genes that give stability to the DNA in the cell and prevent mutation and uncontrolled growth of the cells. These BRCA genes are, therefore called tumor suppressors. When these genes undergo mutation, or when they become cancer genes, there is development of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. The BRCA stands for breast cancer and genetic testing for breast cancer is about testing to see if the person is carrying these mutated or cancer genes.
BRCA.
Risk of breast cancer in positive BRCA test cases.
Women who inherit these mutated BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes face a higher risk of developing breast cancer which is five times the normal risk and an ovarian cancer risk which is 10 to 30 times the normal risk
It is important to know that having a mutated BRCA gene does not guarantee that you will develop cancer or even if you do have cancer, it does not imply that it is due to mutated genes which you inherited.
In women, besides risk of breast and ovarian cancer at an early age, mutation of these genes increase risk of uterine, cervical, colon and pancreatic cancer.
In men, mutation of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, increases risk of breast cancer, testicular, prostrate and pancreatic cancer.
BRCA1.
Harmful BRCA1 mutation in women increases risk of developing breast, ovarian, uterine, cervical, colon and pancreatic cancer.
Harmful BRCA1 mutation in men increases risk of developing breast cancer and probably cancer of the pancreas, testicles and prostate.
BRCA2.
Harmful mutation of BRCA 2 gene in women, besides increasing risk of breast and ovarian cancer, increases risk of cancer of stomach, pancreas, gall bladder and skin.
In men, this mutation increases risk of breast cancer and cancer of pancreas and prostate.
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