What do you need to know about hereditary breast cancer?

With over 1.46 million cases, cancer is the second most cause of mortality in India, after cardiovascular ideas. India has also witnessed a surge in breast cancer cases, affecting around one in 22 women in the country. While women are predominantly affected by the disease, regular cases of male breast cancer have also been reported (Male Pink).

Breast cancer occurs due to abnormal growth in the cells, further accumulating to form a lump or a mass. These cells metastasize through the breast to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Hormonal, lifestyle, and environmental factors contribute to the odds of breast cancer.

That said, 5% to 10% of breast cancers are known to be hereditary, caused by abnormal genes passed from parent to child. Individuals with hereditary breast cancer (HBOC) inherit the germline mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene or some form of rare genetic mutations like PALB2,

TP53, ATM, PTEN, CDH1, etc. and have an increased risk for breast, ovarian cancer, and other cancers. Note that the risk of particular cancer accumulates over their lifetime.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 Gene Cancer Risks

A larger number of inherited cases of breast cancer are associated with mutations in two genes: BRCA1 (Breast cancer gene one) and BRCA2 (Breast cancer gene two).

BRCA1 as well as BRCA2 genes help repair cell damage and boost the growth of breast, ovarian, and other cells. However, when these genes contain mutations that are passed through generations, the genes are unlikely to function normally increasing the risk of breast, ovarian, and other cancers. That said, women who are diagnosed with breast cancer and have either of BRCA mutations are likely to have a family history of breast cancer.

● The chances of breast cancer (ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer in men) increase in case you have inherited a mutated copy of either gene from a parent

● If you have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, the chances of breast cancer increase and one are likely to get by age 80. Furthermore, the risk also depends on the number of family members who have had breast cancer

● The odds of being diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age increase.

Having a family history of breast cancer:

It is important to understand that the majority of the women who are diagnosed with breast cancer do not hold a family history of the disease. But it is the women who have close blood relatives with breast cancer that have a higher risk. For instance:

● Having a first-degree relative with breast cancer almost doubles the risk.

● Having two first-degree relatives increases the odds 3-fold.

● Someone who has a father or brother who has had breast cancer also has a higher risk of breast cancer.

Having a personal history of breast cancer:

In case you had cancer in one breast, the risk of you developing new cancer in the other breast or another part of the same breast is high. Note that the risk is higher for younger women with breast cancer.

What are the signs and symptoms of breast cancer:

The most noticeable symptom of breast cancer is a new lump or a mass that is painless, hard, and has irregular edges. However, breast cancers can be soft, tender, rounded, and painful. Additional signs of breast cancer include:

● Swelling of all or part of a breast

● Irritation in the skin

● Pain in breast or nipple(s)

● Retraction of the nipple(s)

● Thickening of the nipple or breast skin

● Nipple discharge other than breast milk

While breast cancer survival rates have increased, and the number of deaths associated with this disease has been declining. The survival rates increase due to factors such as earlier detection, an advanced personalized approach to treatment, and a better understanding of the disease. Therefore, it is essential to watch out for the possible signs and symptoms of breast cancer and consult your medical professional in case of any query.

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