Breast Cancer Genes 101: Who, How, and When To Get Tested

Aside from skin cancers, breast cancer is the primary cancer diagnosed in women (or those assigned female at birth) in the United States. In fact, there’s a 1 in 8 chance of developing this disease at some point during a lifetime.

Like all cancers, early detection is crucial in treating this condition. Since breast cancer rarely causes symptoms in its earliest stages, it’s important to learn to recognize your risks. That way, you can take extra steps to catch the disease before it progresses.

Things that increase your risk of breast cancer include:

• Being female (or assigned female at birth)
• Increasing age
• Having dense breast tissue
• Being sedentary or obese
• Menstruating before age 12
• Starting menopause at an older age
• Never having children or having a first child after age 30
• A history of breast conditions, including breast cancer
• Using postmenopausal hormone therapy
• Radiation exposure to the chest
• Drinking alcohol

Studies also show that 5-10% of women with breast cancer pass through abnormal genes to their children. So, your risk is also higher if you have a history of breast or ovarian cancer in your family, especially a mother, sister, or daughter. 

Luis A. Quinones, MD, offers expert breast cancer care at Q&S Surgical. In this post, Dr. Quinones explains what you should know about breast cancer genes and when to get genetic testing.

Genes and breast cancer 

When we talk about genes, we’re referring to the short segments of DNA found in your chromosomes that come from your parents. 

Generally speaking, DNA gives your body instructions for your cells to grow and function. For instance, at least eight genes determine your final eye color. However, if a gene contains a mistake or a change, it can trigger abnormal cell growth or function that causes a problem, like a tumor.

Now, you get genes from both of your parents. But that doesn’t mean all DNA errors are hereditary. They can also develop over a person’s lifetime because of aging or exposure to things in the environment. 

As a result, anyone can get breast cancer, whether they inherit breast cancer genes or not. However, a family history of the disease significantly increases the odds.

Breast cancer genes 101

There are several genes with links to breast cancer, but the most common involve BRCA1 and BRCA2. 

Everyone has two copies of these genes — you get one from each parent. Their job involves repairing cell damage and keeping cell growth normal, including cells in the breasts and ovaries. 

Even if one BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene copy contains an inherited mutation, you still have another normal copy as backup. But, if this gene also develops a mutation at some point, cancer can occur because the BRCA1 or BRCA2 can no longer function properly.

So, having a BRCA1 or BRCA2 doesn’t guarantee a breast cancer diagnosis in the future. However, they can increase your chances by up to 72%, and it often develops in women at a younger age.

When to get tested

As mentioned above, anyone can get breast cancer. It’s essential to work closely with your doctor to discuss your risk and to determine the best screening exams and tests, including mammograms. Based on your risk, genetic testing can be recommended.

Factors that can increase your chances of genetic breast cancer mutations include:

• A relative with triple-negative breast cancer or cancer in both breasts
• Close blood relatives with a breast cancer diagnosis before age 50
• A history of breast and ovarian cancer on one side of the family
• A man (or person born male) with breast cancer
• Other cancers in your family, including thyroid, pancreatic, prostate, and colon
• A known abnormal breast cancer gene in the family

You should also talk to your doctor about genetic testing if you’re of Ashkenazi Jewish (Eastern European) heritage or Black with a breast cancer diagnosis at 35 or younger.

If you learn that you have a gene linked to breast cancer, your doctor can make personalized recommendations to keep your risks of the disease as low as possible. These strategies often include healthy weight management, regular exercise, a nutritious diet, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding tobacco products.

In addition to lifestyle changes, your doctor could also suggest hormone therapy medications, more frequent screenings, or protective surgeries.  In some cases, a surgical removal of the breast tissue may be recommended if the risk of developing breast cancer is high enough.

Could you have a breast cancer gene mutation? Call Q&S Surgical today at 678-857-4882 to schedule a breast cancer care consultation in Decatur or Lithonia, Georgia.