Today, breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in our country, and as with all cancers, there may be a genetic predisposition to breast cancer. It is known that genetic disorders play a role in approximately 10% of breast cancers. This genetic disorder is being investigated specifically by looking at two genes called BRCA-1 and BRCA-2. Of course, it is not possible to limit cancer, which has a serious genetic background, such as breast cancer, to just these two tests. However, it is the most commonly used gene test in today's clinical practice.
While the BRCA-1 gene is directly related to breast and ovarian cancer, especially in women, the BRCA-2 gene is linked to breast cancer in men. In this respect, it would be a big mistake to see breast cancer as a disease only for women. BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 genes are found in the DNA of every person. However, different coding or deletions at certain points of these genes pave the way for mutation in the gene, that is, the formation of breast cancer. BRCA gene testing has an important role in analyzing the risk of developing cancer, especially for people with a family history of breast cancer.
It is not possible to say that people with a mutation in the BRCA gene definitely have breast cancer. However, the fact that BRCA gene mutations have been detected in people with a family history indicates that they have a serious predisposition to breast cancer. These patients should be followed up more frequently than routine follow-ups. In some women, prophylactic mastectomy, that is, breast removal of people at high risk of breast cancer, may even be possible without detecting the cancer focus.
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