Today I, Dr Ekta Vala Chandarana want to inform you all about Breast Cancer Genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. Each year, India witnesses approximately 162,468 new cases of breast cancer, leading to about 87,090 fatalities. With a female population exceeding 662 million, the risk of breast cancer looms large, particularly for those in the age bracket of 40 years and older, where the prevalence is notably higher. Breast cancer ranks as the most common cancer among Indian women, both in terms of incidence and mortality.
Decoding Breast Cancer Genes BRCA1 and BRCA2: BRCA1 and BRCA2 Full Form
BRCA stands for “Breast Cancer Gene” with BRCA1 and BRCA2 being two genes linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. Mutations in these genes significantly elevate the risk of developing these cancers. BRCA1, discovered in 1990, and BRCA2, identified in 1994, play pivotal roles in DNA repair, ensuring genetic material’s integrity. However, when mutated, their malfunction leads to unchecked cellular growth, culminating in cancer. This understanding underscores the genes’ vital role in cancer prevention and treatment strategies, marking a beacon of hope for at-risk individuals.
The Impact of Being BRCA Positive on Breast Cancer
Finding out you have BRCA positive on breast cancer means your body has a change in your BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes that makes you more likely to get breast and ovarian cancer. These genes usually protect you from cancer by fixing damage in your DNA, but when they don’t work right because of the change, it can lead to cancer.
If you know you have this change in your genes, it means you need to be very careful about checking for cancer. You might need to start getting checks like mammograms or MRIs earlier than other people do. Some people might even choose to have surgery to remove parts of their body that are at high risk of getting cancer to help prevent it from happening.
It’s a big deal to find out you have BRCA positive because it can make you worry a lot about your health and your family’s health since this gene change can be passed on to your kids. But knowing this about your body helps you make smart choices about your health, like getting checked more often or thinking about surgery. Talking to doctors and special counselors who know a lot about genes can help you decide what’s best for you.
BRCA1 Gene Positive: Understanding Your Risk
If you find out you are BRCA1 gene positive, it means you have a higher chance of getting breast and ovarian cancer. This gene usually helps protect you from getting these cancers by fixing damaged DNA. But if there’s a change in this gene, it can’t do its job well, and that increases your risk. Knowing this helps you be more careful. You can start checking for cancer earlier and more often than other people. Some might even choose surgery to lower their risk. It’s important to talk to doctors to understand what this means for you and how you can stay healthy.
BRCA2 Gene Positive: Understanding Your Risk
If you’re told you’re BRCA2 gene positive, it means there’s a change in your BRCA2 gene that raises your risk for certain cancers, especially breast and ovarian cancers. This gene, when working right, acts like a repair crew for your DNA, preventing cancer cells from growing. But a change or mutation in the gene means it can’t fix DNA damage as it should, making it easier for cancer to start.
Knowing you have a BRCA2 mutation lets you take steps to watch for signs of cancer closely or consider ways to lower your risk, like surgery or medication. While it may feel scary to learn about this risk, having this information gives you a powerful tool for protecting your health. It’s important to have open discussions with healthcare providers to figure out the best plan for you. They can guide you through your options and what this means for your family, as this gene change can be inherited.
Navigating Life with BRCA Positive Breast Cancer
Living with BRCA positive breast cancer means you have a change in your genes that makes it more likely you’ll get breast cancer. It’s a lot to think about, but knowing about it can help you make choices to stay as healthy as possible. Here’s how you can handle it:
1. Get Regular Check-Ups
It’s really important to see your doctor often. They might want you to have tests like mammograms or MRIs more than other people do. These tests help catch cancer early when it’s easier to treat.
2. Think About Your Choices
Some people with BRCA positive choose to have surgery to remove their breasts (mastectomy) or ovaries (oophorectomy) to lower their risk of cancer. It’s a big decision, and not everyone picks this. Talk to your doctor about what’s right for you.
3. Live a Healthy Life
Eating healthy, staying active, not smoking, and drinking less alcohol can help lower your risk of cancer. It’s good for your overall health too.
4. Talk to a Counselor
Finding out you’re at higher risk for cancer can make you feel scared or upset. It’s okay to feel this way. Talking to a counselor can help. They understand what you’re going through and can support you.
5. Join a Support Group
It helps to talk to other people who know what you’re going through. Look for support groups for people with BRCA changes or breast cancer. You can share stories and advice with each other.
6. Plan for the Future
If you’re thinking about having kids, you might worry about passing the BRCA change to them. You can talk to a genetic counselor about your options and any tests you can have.
7. Stay Informed
Research about BRCA and cancer is always changing. Stay up to date on new treatments or ways to lower your risk. Your doctor can help you find reliable information.
Living with BRCA positive breast cancer means taking care of your health and making choices that are right for you. Remember, you’re not alone. There are doctors, counselors, and support groups ready to help you on this journey.