BRCA mutations increase the risk of several other types of cancer as well.
Such testing is not routine and requires thoughtful consideration about potential next steps.
They are a blueprintcoding for the proteins that your body builds.
Verywell / Gary Ferster
BRCA genes are normal genes that function astumor suppressor genes.
Normal BRCA genes code for proteins that prevent cancer growth, especially breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
Specifically, these proteins are responsible for repairing cancer-causing damage to DNA in your cells.
BRCA Genes Mutations
Mutations are genetic errors.
Hereditary breast cancers not related to BRCA mutations are referred to as non-BRCA familial breast cancer or BRCAX.
There are likely others, and research is ongoing.
These proteins on the surface of breast cancer cells cause tumors to grow when they bind with these hormones.
These mutations also are associated with breast cancer that is less likely to beHER2-positive.
Genetic Testing for BRCA Mutations
Overall,genetic testingfor breast cancer genes is not standard.
While you might have medical indications for getting tested, this is an emotionally charged decision.
Likewise, testing positive doesn’t mean you will absolutely get breast cancer.
There is no right or wrong decision.
Breast Cancer Prevention
At this stage, it is important that you think about breast cancer prevention.
It’s important that you feel confident about what you do following BRCA testing.
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Kotsopoulos J.BRCAMutations and Breast Cancer Prevention.Cancers (Basel).
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