How is the breast cancer gene inherited?
There are several mutated genes that can be present in breast cancer. The most common are BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 (breast cancer gene 1, breast cancer gene 2). Both mutations are so-called germline mutations.
This means that these mutated genes can be detected in all cells and thus also in the sperm or egg cells through which they are then inherited. Both mother and father can be carriers of the mutations. The inheritance is autosomal-dominant, i.e. the genes are not transferred via the X/Y chromosomes (sex chromosomes) and a mutated gene pool from the mother or father is sufficient for the mutation to be expressed.
There are many more genes that could be detected, but they are very rare. Most mutations in genes are changes in repair structures of the DNA (genetic carrier molecule of genetic information). If a change occurs in structures that are responsible for the repair of the DNA, this can lead to errors in the DNA and thus to further mutations.
If the BRCA gene is mutated, women have a 72% chance of developing breast cancer by the age of 80, BRCA-1 has a 72% chance and BRCA-2 has a 69% chance. For both mutations, the probability of getting ovarian cancer is also 44%. In men, the probability of developing breast cancer is 2% for a BRCA-1 mutation and 7% for a BRCA-2 mutation.
Are there prognostic factors that tell me whether I will get breast cancer?
There are various indications of whether breast cancer could be inherited in a family. According to the guidelines for breast cancer (breast cancer), these are as follows: If in the family… In addition, a genetic test can be done to test for known genes associated with breast cancer.
- At least 3 women have breast cancer
- At least 2 women have breast cancer, one of them before the age of 51
- At least one woman has breast cancer and one has ovarian cancer
- At least two women have ovarian cancer
- At least one woman has breast cancer and ovarian cancer
- At least one woman with 35 or younger is suffering from breast cancer
- At least one woman aged 50 or younger has bilateral (bilateral) breast cancer
- At least one man has breast cancer and one woman has breast or ovarian cancer
