About Hereditary breast cancer

What is Hereditary breast cancer?

Hereditary breast cancer is a type of breast cancer that is caused by an inherited gene mutation. This type of cancer is caused by a mutation in one of two genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are responsible for repairing damaged DNA. People who have inherited a mutation in either of these genes have an increased risk of developing breast cancer, as well as other types of cancer.

What are the symptoms of Hereditary breast cancer?

Common symptoms of hereditary breast cancer include:

-A personal history of breast cancer at an early age (before age 50)
-A family history of breast cancer in multiple generations
-A family history of ovarian cancer
-A family history of male breast cancer
-A personal history of multiple primary breast cancers
-A personal history of bilateral breast cancer
-A personal history of breast cancer in both breasts
-A personal history of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
-A personal history of Li-Fraumeni syndrome, Cowden syndrome, or BRCA1/2 gene mutation

What are the causes of Hereditary breast cancer?

Hereditary breast cancer is caused by mutations in certain genes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2. These mutations can be inherited from a parent or can occur spontaneously. Other genes that can cause hereditary breast cancer include TP53, PTEN, STK11, and CDH1.

What are the treatments for Hereditary breast cancer?

1. Surgery: Surgery is the most common treatment for hereditary breast cancer. Depending on the type of cancer, surgery may involve removing the entire breast (mastectomy) or just the tumor (lumpectomy).

2. Radiation Therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. It is often used after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.

3. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a type of drug treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. It is often used after surgery to reduce the risk of the cancer coming back.

4. Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy is a type of drug treatment that blocks the effects of hormones on cancer cells. It is often used to treat breast cancers that are sensitive to hormones, such as those caused by mutations in the BRCA1

What are the risk factors for Hereditary breast cancer?

1. Family history of breast cancer: Having a first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer increases the risk of developing the disease.

2. Genetic mutations: Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most common cause of hereditary breast cancer.

3. Age: The risk of developing breast cancer increases with age.

4. Gender: Women are more likely to develop breast cancer than men.

5. Personal history of breast cancer: Having had breast cancer in the past increases the risk of developing a new cancer in the same or opposite breast.

6. Race: White women are more likely to develop breast cancer than women of other races.

7. Reproductive history: Women who have had their first menstrual period before age 12, have never had children

Is there a cure/medications for Hereditary breast cancer?

There is no cure for hereditary breast cancer, but there are medications that can help reduce the risk of developing the disease. These include tamoxifen, raloxifene, and aromatase inhibitors. These medications can help reduce the risk of developing breast cancer in women who have a high risk of developing the disease due to a family history of the disease. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol consumption can also help reduce the risk of developing hereditary breast cancer.