Archive for November, 2011

BRAC1 and BRAC 2 need a closer look. There just isn’t enough information in the public domain.  The sheer panic without the research is based on a limited view.

BRAC1 and BRAC2

First of all of us have these genes, and they perform a vary important function. What they do is repair cell damage. Both of these genes are tumor suppressors. They make repairs to breaks to the DNA molecules that have double stranded breaks.

Women with mutations to either the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have a higher risk of breast cancer anywhere from 3 to 5 percent. There are other opinions that put it at 5 to 10 percent. These mutations are passed down though generations. These women have a risk of ovarian cancer that is ten to thirty times the norm.  Also, women with abnormal BRCA1 or BRAC2 gene have a higher risk of developing ovarian, colon, pancreatic and thyroid cancers, as well as melanoma.

These mutations can be inherited from either parent. Sons are also at risk. The child of a genetic carrier has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutated gene. Men also have the risk of developing breast, colon, pancreatic, and prostate cancer.

Prospective

Having an abnormal BRAC1 or BRAC2 gene doesn’t mean you will get breast or any other cancer. The interesting fact that seems to be overlooked is that ovarian cancer carriers a bigger risk. However, since more women get breast cancer the emphasis is placed here.

The estimates are hundreds of thousands of cancer free women worldwide are probably harboring these mutated genes. In the eary 1990′s these genes were first identified. Then the witch hunt began. We are in the beginning phase of understanding what we are dealing with. Even oncologist aren’t sure everyone should be tested.

Most people aren’t aware of what genes they have. There are people that can’t trace a few generations back, and others who have relatives who went from other illness before breast or any other type of cancer could manifest. The other fact is a women may develop cancer, but it came about because of other factors, not the mutated BRAC1 and BRAC2 gene.

Facts

BRAC1 and BRAC2 has brought with it a new level of fear. One that it may not deserve. This fact is so important that I will cover this in the next few articles. The reason is no research has gone into the role of diet and lifestyle. The triggers for any cancer are the sum total of a cascade of events.

There are some very interesting facts coming in the follow up article.