Which other tumors are associated with a BRCA mutation?
The BRCA genes encode proteins that normally prevent the cell from growing excessively and dividing uncontrollably. Changes in these genes mean that this is no longer guaranteed and cancer develops. Preferably, these are tumours located in the breast or ovaries, but there are also other cancers associated with a BRCA mutation.
These include cancer of the intestine, pancreas and skin. Men are also at increased risk of prostate cancer. You can read more information on this topic: Skin cancer – early detection and treatmentThere is also a link between changes in the BRCA genes and inherited ovarian cancer.
Women with a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene are more likely to develop ovarian cancer in addition to the increased risk of breast cancer. It is estimated that carriers of mutated BRCA genes have a 50% risk of developing ovarian cancer later in life. It is also possible for carriers of BRCA mutations to develop breast cancer and ovarian cancer at the same time.
In contrast to breast cancer, there is unfortunately no proper early detection programme for ovarian cancer. Nevertheless, doctors can regularly examine the ovaries by means of ultrasound for tumour suspicious masses. Women who have tested positive should also consider a preventive operation, in which not only the breasts but also the fallopian tubes and ovaries are removed.
Of course this is not an easy decision and depends largely on the life situation (age, completed family planning, etc.). Therefore, this step should be thoroughly considered and discussed in detail with the treating physicians. You can read more detailed information on this topic here: Ovarian cancer – symptoms, causes and therapy
What does triple negative actually mean?
Triple negative or triple negative breast cancer is a special form of breast cancer that is negative for three specific markers. The oestrogen receptor (ER), the progesterone receptor (PR) and the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) are examined. These receptors can be found on the surface of the tumour cells and ensure that the tumour responds to certain hormones (i.e. oestrogen, progesterone and the epidermal growth factor), which affects the treatment regimen.
In the case of triple negative carcinoma this is not the case. It has been shown that women with triple negative breast cancer also often have a mutation in BRCA1.
