Official figures have shown that between 5-10% of breast cancer is caused by the genetic makeup of an individual. Even though the percentage seems relatively low, the actual numbers are high enough to prompt many men and women to seek regular checkups. Yes, even men can contract breast cancer. This only occurs about .7% as often as women but it does happen and kills about 12,000 men each year.
Being female alone increases one’s odds of contracting breast cancer relative to men by 133:1. A leading theory indicates that the most likely cause of this is due to the higher percentage of estrogen and progesterone in females. These hormones play a role in cell growth and reproduction, and seem to have an effect with the growth occurs uncontrollably- for instance, breast cancer.
A genetic factor that might not seem to be genetic at first glance is the increase risk that comes with aging. As individuals grow older at what rate, and in what way is heavily influenced by one’s genetics. Researchers in the field are determining that genetics determine the type of physiology that an individual has and that in turn plays a huge role in aging.
About 17% of invasive breast cancers occur in women who are in their 40’s. But, a tremendous 78% of individuals who contract the disease are either in their 50’s or older. By now this figure should come as no surprise. It is a common observance that cancers are more likely to occur the older an individual gets. Don’t confuse this statement. It isn’t correct to assume that 78% of women who are 50 years of age or older contract breast cancer. In actuality the number is about 1 in 12 or only 8%.
A major genetic risk factor doesn’t come from normal genes; rather it comes from gene mutations. The most common of these gene mutations are labeled BRCA1 and BRCA1. These genes participate in making proteins that prevent cells from experiencing abnormal growth. Mutations or changes in these genes alter that ability thus opening the gate to increase the odds of contracting breast cancer. Some studies have determined that having the mutation places an individual at risk for developing breast cancer at up to 80%.
Those mutations are almost always inherited, not produced by environmental, diet or other controllable factors. Women who have a mother who have had breast cancer are therefore at higher risk for developing the condition themselves. Though, obviously, women don’t inherit genes from a sister, having a sibling that has contracted breast cancer is an indicator of increased risk.
An additional gene mutation that could play a role is the ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia mutation). This involves a gene that plays a role in the repaid of DNA strands. The risk of breast cancer is doubled when another CHEK-2 gene mutates. Mutations in a gene called the p53 increase the odds because it works in the suppression of tumor growth. Fortunately, these occurrences all have an extremely low likelihood.
Until gene therapy becomes more advanced, there’s nothing a woman or man can do to alter the genetic endowment they’ve received. But knowing the risk factors can provide information that is helpful in prompting diagnosis. Knowing you have a family history that contains an individual with Cowden Syndrome, for example, provides incentive to seek early and frequent checkups.