BRCA1 Gene
Breast Cancer Gene 1
What is a gene?
- Particles in cells
- Contained in chromosomes
- Made of DNA
- DNA contains the instructions for building proteins
- Proteins control the structure and function of all cells
Tumor supressor gene
This means that when the genes are working properly they control the way cells grow in certain tissues of the body
Homeostasis BRCA1 Gene
- Repair cell damage
- Keep breast cells growing normally
- Ensure stability of cell's genetic material (DNA)
Mutated BRCA1 Gene
- Can't fix DNA strands
- Does not mean you will develop cancer if you have a mutated gene
- 5 times more likely to develop breast cancer
- The gene changes allow cells to grow where they shouldn't
- Gene pushes aside normal cells and spreads to other parts of the body
Passing of Mutated BRCA1 Genes: Parent to Child
- All the breast cells will carry this mutation
- "Head Start" to collecting enough genetic mutations to become cancerous
- 5% to 10% of breast cancers are thought to be hereditary
Common Cancers Found in Women with Mutated BRCA1 Gene
- Breast
- Ovarian
- Cervical
- Uterine
- Pancreatic
- Colon
12% of women will develop breast cancer sometime in their lifetime
60% of women with a mutated BRCA1 gene will develop breast cancer
Common Cancers Found in Men with Mutated BRCA1 Gene
- Breast
- Pancreatic
- Testicular
- Early-onset prostate
- Melanoma
Risk Factors
AGE
- Most occurs over the age of 50
FAMILY HISTORY
- Blood relatives diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 50
- Breast, Ovarian, Colon, Pancreatic, Thyroid
MEDICAL HISTORY
- If you had breast cancer, your probability for developing it and ovarian cancer again increases
HORMONAL INFLUENCES
- Excess Estrogen
- Increasing risks for women: Menopause after age 55, First menstrual cycle before age 12, Having your first child after age 30
- Reducing risks for women: Removal of ovaries, Breast feeding
BIRTH CONTROL PILLS
- Lower risk of ovarian cancer
OBESITY
- Increases risk for breast cancer
- Increases mortality in ovarian cancer
ALCOHOL
- Increase breast cancer risk
ETHNICITY
- Ashkenazi Jewish (Eastern European) heritage
- African American
What to do if you have a mutated gene
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Exercise Regularly
- Limit alcohol consumption
- Eating nutritious foods
- Never smoking, or quit smoking