Breast cancer is the most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women in the United States. In 2008, approximately 184,450 patients were estimated to be diagnosed with invasive cancer, and an estimated 40,930 were estimated to die of this disease. Furthermore, over 50,000 female carcinoma in situ breast cases would have been diagnosed. The etiology of breast cancer is poorly understood with multiple genetic and environmental factors involved in the initiation and progression of cancer.
Scandinavian Twin Study: For years, there has been a hot debate as to whether the cause of breast cancer is genetic or environmental. Then in 2000, Lichtenstein and his colleagues at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden published their study of 44,788 pairs of twins from the …show more content…
Degree of relationship: If the family member with a history of cancer is a first degree relative, the increased risk is much greater than for second degree relatives.
2. Number of relatives who have had breast cancer: People with two or more family members who have had cancer are at higher risk than those with only one affected relative.
3. Age of onset of cancer: If the relative developed cancer at an early age (pre-menopausal), the risk is higher than if the relative developed post menopausal breast malignancy.
4. Bilateral breast tumors: If the relative has a history of bilateral disease, the risk is greater than having a relative with unilateral disease.
5. Gender of the relative: If the family member with breast cancer is a man, the risk is higher.
6. Other related early onset tumors: If there is a family history of early onset ovarian cancer, this incurs an increased risk for a person.
How to decide whether you need the BRCA gene test
The following is an excerpt from the American Society of Breast Surgeons:
1. Early onset breast cancer (diagnosed before age 50)
2. Two primary breast tumors, either bilateral or ipsilateral
3. A family history of early onset breast
Scandinavian Twin Study: For years, there has been a hot debate as to whether the cause of breast cancer is genetic or environmental. Then in 2000, Lichtenstein and his colleagues at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden published their study of 44,788 pairs of twins from the …show more content…
Degree of relationship: If the family member with a history of cancer is a first degree relative, the increased risk is much greater than for second degree relatives.
2. Number of relatives who have had breast cancer: People with two or more family members who have had cancer are at higher risk than those with only one affected relative.
3. Age of onset of cancer: If the relative developed cancer at an early age (pre-menopausal), the risk is higher than if the relative developed post menopausal breast malignancy.
4. Bilateral breast tumors: If the relative has a history of bilateral disease, the risk is greater than having a relative with unilateral disease.
5. Gender of the relative: If the family member with breast cancer is a man, the risk is higher.
6. Other related early onset tumors: If there is a family history of early onset ovarian cancer, this incurs an increased risk for a person.
How to decide whether you need the BRCA gene test
The following is an excerpt from the American Society of Breast Surgeons:
1. Early onset breast cancer (diagnosed before age 50)
2. Two primary breast tumors, either bilateral or ipsilateral
3. A family history of early onset breast