Alternative Cancer Treatment, Gene and Breast Cancer
According to official figures, only between 5-10% of breast cancer is
caused by genetic influences. But even though the percentage is
relatively low, the numbers are high enough to warrant many women and
men seeking regular checkups. Yes, men get breast cancer, too. Only
about 0.7% as often as women, but it does occur, killing about 12,000
men per year.
So, simply being female increases the odds of breast cancer relative
to men by 133:1. One leading theory indicates that the most likely cause
is the substantially higher percentage of estrogen and progesterone in
females. These hormones play a role in cell growth and appear to be
involved when that growth occurs uncontrollably, as in breast cancer.
One factor in one’s genetic makeup that might not appear to be
genetic at first look is the increased risk that accompanies aging.
Growing older, at what rate and in what way, is greatly influenced by an
individual’s genetics. Researchers have determined that genetics
determines an individual’s physiology and that in turn plays an
important role in the aging process.
About 17% of invasive breast cancers occur in women who are in their
40’s. But, a tremendous 78% of individuals who contract the disease are
either in their 50’s or older. By now this figure should come as no
surprise. It is a common observance that cancers are more likely to
occur the older an individual gets. Don’t confuse this statement. It
isn’t correct to assume that 78% of women who are 50 years of age or
older contract breast cancer. In actuality the number is about 1 in 12
or only 8%.
A major genetic risk factor doesn’t come from normal genes; rather it
comes from gene mutations. The most common of these gene mutations are
labeled BRCA1 and BRCA1. These genes participate in making proteins that
prevent cells from experiencing abnormal growth. Mutations or changes
in these genes alter that ability thus opening the gate to increase the
odds of contracting breast cancer. Some studies have determined that
having the mutation places an individual at risk for developing breast
cancer at up to 80%.
Those mutations are almost always inherited, not produced by
environmental, diet or other controllable factors. Women who have a
mother who have had breast cancer are therefore at higher risk for
developing the condition themselves. Though, obviously, women don’t
inherit genes from a sister, having a sibling that has contracted breast
cancer is an indicator of increased risk.
Another gene mutation that may play a role is the ATM
(ataxia-telangiectasia mutation), involving a gene which plays a role in
repairing DNA strands. Breast cancer risk is doubled when yet another,
the CHEK-2 gene, mutates. Mutations in a gene called the p53 increase
the odds, since it works to suppress tumor growth. Fortunately, these
are all fairly low likelihood occurrences.
Until there are advancements in gene therapy, there isn’t anything
women or men can do to alter the genes which they were given. But
knowing the risk factors can provide information needed to come up with a
diagnosis. Knowing that you have a family history containing an
individual with Cowden Syndrome, for example, provides you with more
reason to seek frequent and early checkups.
