Genetic Breast Cancer Risk Factors

Genetic breast cancer risk factors have been found to cause only between 5-10% of breast cancer instances. Despite being a relatively low percentage, many men and women feel that this warrants a regular checkup. And yes, men develop breast cancer, too, at a highly decreased rate. Despite the decreased rate, it kills about 12,000 men per year, so it is not something to be brushed aside.

Therefore, just by being female, you have an increased genetic breast cancer risk when compared to men of 133:1. It is thought that the higher levels of estrogen and progesterone found in females is the reason behind the increased risk. Breast cancer develops when cells begin to multiply uncontrollably, and these particular hormones contribute to cell growth.

One genetic breast cancer risk factor, which people don’t immediately associate with, is the aging process. The way you age is mainly determined by your genetics, so this can have an effect on your risk level. Researchers have found that genetics are a key factor in our physiology, and our physiology dictates how we age.

Women in there 40s have a 17% chance of developing invasive breast cancers, but then this risk increases substantially to 78% when 50 or older. It’s an observable fact that cancer becomes more likely as you age, so this statistic shouldn’t be too surprising. However, the 78% increase in risk doesn’t translate to 78% of women over 50 developing breast cancer. It’s simply a statistic of increased risk. The actual number of women who develop breast cancer at 50 or older is only 8%, or 1 in 12.

Gene mutations are another major genetic breast cancer risk factor. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most common mutations. These genes contribute to making proteins that help to stop abnormal growth in cells. This function is altered with a mutation, increasing the chances of breast cancer developing. Your risk of developing breast cancer rises up to 80% if you have either of the mutations, according to studies conducted.

Unfortunately those mutations are not normally produced by controllable factors, but are usually inherited, making it impossible to make life changes in order to avoid the mutations. Women immediately have a higher risk of developing the condition if they have a mother who suffered from breast cancer. Another indicator of increased genetic breast cancer risk factor is having a sister who has developed breast cancer. While you don’t inherit genes from siblings, you do share many of the same genetics.

A gene which contributes to repairing DNA strands – ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia mutation) – may also increase your risk of developing breast cancer if it mutates. Another gene CHEK-2, doubles your risk, when it mutates. Your risk is also increased if the p53 gene mutates, as the normal function of this gene is to suppress tumor growth. While these mutations increase your risk of developing breast cancer, they all occur very infrequently.

There is no way for women or men to currently alter their genetics, though research is continuing in the area of gene therapy. Being aware of genetic breast cancer risk factors though is important, and can help to ensure early diagnosis, which increases the chance of survival.

         

Introduction to Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer Stages – Breast Cancer Survival Rates
Environmental and Lifestyle Breast Cancer Risk Factors
Breast Cancer Prevention – How to Prevent Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Self Exam - Diagnosing Breast Cancer
Breast Cancer Diagnosis - Breast Cancer Test

Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast Cancer Reconstruction Surgery Treatments
Breast Cancer Surgery Treatment
Breast Cancer Diet Tests and Research
Breast Cancer Statistics, Diagnosis and Treatments
Chemotherapy Breast Cancer Medication
Breast Cancer Radiation Treatment
Breast Cancer Mammogram Diagnosis