Science and Tech

BRCA gene testing is important for reducing cancer risk in women

·         The BRCA gene test may be a blood test that’s done to work out if you have changes (mutations) in your DNA that increase the danger of breast cancer.

·         Mutations in either breast cancer gene — BRCA1 or BRCA2 — considerably increase the danger of breast cancer.

·         Everyone has 2 copies of every|of every} of those genes—one copy inheritable  from each parent.

·         BRCA one and an unrelated BRCA two area unit proteins associated with breast tissues that facilitate repair broken damaged or destroy cells if the damaged DNA cant be repaired.

·         They are so tumour suppressor or caretaker genes.

·         But if BRCA itself has undergone a mutation, it loses the ability to repair DNA.

·         This increases the susceptibility of the carrier of the mutant gene to breast and other cancers, notably ovarian cancer.

·         Women with abnormal BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 genes have up to 80 per cent risk of developing breast cancer by age 90 and women with BRCA 1 mutations have up to 55 per cent risk of developing ovarian cancer.

·         Scientists had long suspected that some cancers are inherited, especially breast and ovarian cancer.

·         The discovery of BRCA mutations is of recent origin, starting in 1990.

·         Testing for BRCA mutations became possible in 1994.

·         While BRCA mutations are primarily associated with breast and ovarian cancer, theres some proof of their role in different cancers, particularly within the abdominal and thoracic cavities.

·         Women connected to the BRCA mutation have significantly elevated risk of carcinoma.

·         If BRCA mutation is tested positive for breast cancer, regular breast self-examination should begin at the age of eighteen.