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What is my risk for developing breast or ovarian cancer?
Women
in the United States have a 1-in-10 risk of developing breast cancer and a
1-in-55 chance of developing ovarian cancer in their lifetime.
Certain factors increase this risk. Women who have grandmothers, mothers,
aunts, or sisters who have had breast or ovarian cancer are at greater risk.
Cancer that develops in more than one member of a family may be caused by a gene
mutation that can be passed by parents to their children. A gene mutation is an
alteration in genetic material. However, most breast and ovarian cancers are not
caused by inherited gene mutations. Only about 7% of breast cancers and 10% of
ovarian cancers are caused by inherited, genetic mutations. Genetic testing is
usually ordered by a physician only if your personal or family history suggests
that you may carry a predisposing gene mutation. Genetic testing may also be
used to determine if a woman who has already been diagnosed with breast cancer
is at an increased risk for ovarian cancer or a second breast cancer.
How do genes increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer?
Each
of us is born with two copies of about 30,000 different genes. A copy of each
gene comes from your parents. A gene called BRCA1 was the first gene
detected that increased the risk for breast and ovarian cancer. A second gene, BRCA2
also plays a major part in breast and ovarian cancer.
In most cases these genes help to prevent cancer by creating proteins that
keep cells from growing abnormally. But, if a BRCA1 or BRCA2
mutation is inherited, you may be more susceptible to developing cancer.
Who should consider testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations?
You may want to discuss a referral to medical genetics for genetic counseling and possible genetic testing with your doctor if you answer yes to any
of the following questions:
- You have two or more blood relatives--mother,
sister, aunt, cousin, or daughter--with premenopausal breast cancer or ovarian
cancer at any age
- You have been diagnosed with breast cancer,
especially if it was diagnosed before you reached menopause and you have
a blood relative with breast or ovarian
cancer
- You have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer
and you have blood relatives who have had ovarian or breast cancer
- You are related to someone (male or female on your mother or father's side of the family)
who has a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.
For more information:
Cleveland
Clinic Department of Medical Genetics
(216) 445-5686 or (800) 223-2273 ext. 55686
Myriad Genetic Laboratoires
(800) 469-7423
This information is provided by your physician and the Cleveland
Clinic Journal of Medicine. This information has not been designed to
replace a physician's medical assessment and medical judgement.
Source: Cleveland Clinic Journal of
Medicine Volume 6* Number 3 May 2000 X For more information contact the Cleveland Clinic
Department of Patient Education and Health Information Website,
www.clevelandclinic.org/health
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