Risk Factors: Genetic
Genes are the blueprints for your body and can be found in every cell. Genes determine the color of your eyes, your height and affect other functions of your body. Genes tell your body how to fix itself when your body is hurt. Sometimes genes don’t work as they should. This error in one or more genes is called a mutation.
Mutations can be inherited, (you are born with it) or spontaneous. Spontaneous mutations are those that occur in a single cell during your lifetime. This can happen in many ways but scientists have been unable to find out how.
Scientists have identified two specific genes that when mutated can develop into breast cancer: BRCA1 and BRCA2. Everyone has these genes but some women have inherited the mutation of one or both genes and this increases the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer in women and breast and prostate cancer in men. Not all breast cancers are due to inherited mutated genes. These mutations account for 5 to 10 percent of all breast cancers. Most breast cancers are due to spontaneous mutations.
If a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer is present, genetic testing may be offered. A genetic counselor will review your family history of cancer and recommend whether or not to be tested. A simple blood test can determine the presence of the mutation of the BRCA1 or BRCA 2 genes.
For more information about genetic testing visit http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/genetic/