Having said all this, this is an important step in your healthcare plan and education is a key component in the step. Make it a great day! S
DISCLAIMER: All information is
SUE - a breast cancer survivor |
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We all have heard that if you have a history of breast or ovarian cancer in your family that you may have an inherited risk in for your family. We all have certain traits that run in the family and passed on, for my side of the family it is red hair and blue eyes and noses and ears alike ( I won't comment on the size). In breast and ovarian cancer there may be an altered gene that is passed on from parent to child. You actually inherit a higher risk of developing cancer, not that you will inherit cancer. It may be important to learn more about what patterns do run in your family and what can you do about it. Early detection has been shown to reduce cancer risk and save lives. We know that if either parent carries a BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 mutation that we, in fact, may carry it too. BRCA1 and BRCA2 normally stop abnormal cell growth but if there are alterations in these genes then there is a loss of control regarding cell growth and may lead to the development of cancer. We do know that BRCA gene mutations are most often associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer we also know there are other genetic causes of these cancers too. Having BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 mutations increases your risk for breast and ovarian cancers. It also means if you carry that gene that you are at a higher risk for developing a second cancer. Certain mutations of the BRCA gene are more common among people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent (from Central or Eastern Europe). Half of all women with a hereditary risk of breast and ovarian cancers inherited the risk from their father and not their mothers. BRCA mutations also increase the risk for other cancers in both men and women. Women with BRCA mutation also have up to a 50% risk of developing breast cancer by age 50 and up to 87% risk by age 70. Also have up to 44% risk of developing ovarian cancer by age 70. With this type of technology also comes the need for genetic counseling and I would advise anyone seeking BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 testing to seek genetic counseling and learn ways to reduce your risk including monthly self-breast exams by 18-21 and annual clinical breast exams from 25-35 and annual mammograms and/or MRI beginning at age 25-35. (Please note this are different guidelines related to you carrying the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 mutation). It is also advised to do annual transvaginal ultrasound and a CA -125 to test for ovarian cancer beginning at age 25. Preventive Drug Therapy could also include tamoxifen for high-risk women and oral contraceptives can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer. Preventive surgery could include preventive mastectomy to reduce the risk of breast cancer and preventive removal of ovaries for reducing the risk of ovarian cancer and may also reduce the risk of breast cancer. This test is not for the general public but specifically for individuals thought to be at high risk for breast or ovarian cancer. The test only requires a small blood sample for analysis. Be aware this test does not tell you whether or not you have cancer but helps to estimate the risk for breast or ovarian cancer. This is a means to manage your health in a more effective manner. Having said all this, I am giving you the information and asking you to take a closer look at your family history to first determine if you are at risk and then with genetic counseling, detemine your need to pursue BRCA analysis. Knowing your risk and being pro-active and doing everything you can to lower your risk could make a big difference for you and your family. First and foremost, consult your healthcare provider to review your information and look at your individual risks and conditions.
Having said all this, this is an important step in your healthcare plan and education is a key component in the step. Make it a great day! S DISCLAIMER: All information is
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AuthorMy name is Sue Kilburn and I am a clinical nurse breast cancer educator at the Yolanda G. Barco Oncology Institute in Meadville, Pennsylvania. Archives
March 2015
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