In Canada, breast cancer accounts for 25% of diagnosed cancers with an average of 27,400 cases annually. This year, around 5,100 women will die of breast cancer compared to 55 deaths among men. Breast cancer can result from an inherited genetic predisposition. In fact, 5% to 10% of breast cancers are thought to be of hereditary origin. How do you know if you are at risk?
Hereditary breast cancer can be devastating in families where genetic predispositions are present. In fact, a parent who carries a BRCA gene has a 50% chance of passing it on to their child.. The genes most often associated with hereditary breast cancer are BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2 or even PALB2. Other genetic disorders can increase your chances of developing it, as well as external factors such as contraception, obesity, alcohol use and smoking.
The genetic counsellors at Genolife, can help you understand your risks according to your lifestyle and your family history. If you are considered at risk, it would then be possible to perform a genetic test. This test targets certain genes associated with hereditary cancer and allows you to know if you are a carrier of a pathogenic variant in one of these genes. If this is the case, you could opt for increased medical screening and take preventive measures.
If any of the following situations applies, you should consider contacting our genetic counsellors:
- One or more of your first degree relatives (parents, siblings, children) was diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50;
- More than one second-degree relative (grandparents aunt/uncle, niece/nephew) on the paternal or maternal side has been diagnosed with breast cancer;
- Two or more parents have had breast or ovarian cancer;
- A male relative was diagnosed with breast cancer;
- A relative developed breast and ovarian cancer.
These risk factors can also mean that a genetic predisposition might be present in your family. By taking charge of your genetic health, you can prevent rather than cure.
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