Breast Cancer Genetics

Everyone has genes that pass along hereditary information from generation to generation. Sometimes changes occur in the gene code, and these changes are called mutations. Learn how gene mutations can affect breast cancer risk, as well as about how genetic testing works.

Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer

While BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations may increase your odds of developing breast cancer, your odds of having either mutation are pretty small. An estimated 0.25% of the general population carries a mutated BRCA gene, or about one out of every 400 people.

Other Breast Cancer Genes

Family history is one of the unavoidable genetic risk factors for developing breast cancer. Ongoing research is helping identify the genes that are responsible for this inherited increased risk. BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are currently the best-known and most discussed genetic risk factors, but new genetic links are being discovered regularly.

BRCA: The Breast Cancer Gene

Each person’s DNA contains the code used to build the human body and keep it functioning. Genes are the small sections of DNA that code for individual traits. For example, someone with naturally red hair has a gene that causes his or her hair to be red.

What To Do If You’ve Tested Positive

It’s natural to feel worried if you’ve tested positive for a BRCA1, BRCA2, or PALB2 gene mutation. It’s true that these gene mutations can significantly increase your chances of developing breast cancer. However, it’s important to keep in mind that many people who carry such gene mutations never develop breast cancer. Even for those who do, early diagnosis and treatment make […]