The Genetic Cause Of Breast Cancer

Even with all the advancement in medical technology, human beings are still battling to find the cure for some diseases such as cancer. Cancer refers to the abnormal and uncontrolled growth of cells in the human body. They lead to the growth of tumors which then infiltrate other neighboring tissues and organs. The cancerous cells are dangerous because of the manner in which they lead to the attacking of other tissues in the body. There are different types of cancer affecting the human body. All the types of cancer are dangerous and claim millions of lives. In the United States alone, cancer can be attributed as one of the leading causes of death. It claims almost 20% of all the deaths that occur in the country. Of all the different types of cancer, the cancer of the breast is one of the most common. Women are the biggest victims of breast cancer although some cases have been reported in men though very rare. Studies by the United States Breast Cancer Statistics point …show more content…
One of the factors pointed as causing breast cancer is the aspect of the genetic variation of an individual. This is a study that was based on a study of the family tree of most breast cancer victims. From the findings, it was noted that 15% to almost 20% of the breast cancer cases could be attributed to genetic disorders. In the study the genetic cause of cancer was linked to a specific gene known as p53. It is the gene responsible in the contraction and causing of cancer in women. For women possessing this gene, the chances or risk factor of contracting and developing breast cancer increases by almost 16 times than those who do not possess it. In other cases individuals whose breast and glands produce wax, there is a higher percentage of contracting and developing breast cancer. This helps one in knowing whether the genetic makeup on an individual can lead to breast cancer or