Alternative Cancer Treatment, Genetic Risks of Breast Cancer

According to official figures it has been determined that only 5-10% of breast cancer is influenced by an individual's genetics. Even though this percentage seems relatively low the numbers are in fact high enough to encourage many women and men to seek regular checkups. Yes, it is possible for even men to get breast cancer. Men only contract breast cancer about .7% as often as women but it does occur and it kills about 12,000 men per year.

Being female alone increases an individual's odds of contracting breast cancer relative to men by 133:1. A leading theory indicates that the most obvious and likely cause is the much greater estrogen and progesterone levels in females. These hormones aid in cell grown and seem to be involved when cell growth is uncontrollable, as in a disease such as breast cancer.

One factor in one's genetic makeup that might not appear to be genetic at first look is the increased risk that accompanies aging. Growing older, at what rate and in what way, is greatly influenced by an individual's genetics. Researchers have determined that genetics determines an individual's physiology and that in turn plays an important role in the aging process.

Almost 17% of invasive breast cancers occur in women who are in their 40's. But a great 78% of those who contract breast cancer are in their 50's or older. This shouldn't surprise you. It is a common observation that cancers are more likely to occur the older an individual becomes. Make sure that you don't confuse this statement. It is not correct to believe that 78% of women who are 50 or older get breast cancer. Actually, that number is about 1 in 12, or 8% of women 50 or older.

One major genetic risk factor, though, doesn't come from normal genes, but from gene mutations. The most common mutations are labeled BRCA1 and BRCA2. The genes affected participate in making proteins that prevent cells from growing abnormally. Mutations or changes in them alter that ability, opening the gate to increasing the odds of breast cancer. According to some studies, having the mutation puts the odds of developing breast cancer at up to 80%.

Mutations such as these are not always inherited, and are not produced by environmental, diet or other controllable factors. Women whose mothers have had breast cancer are placed at a higher risk for developing the condition themselves. Women do not inherit genes from siblings, but having a sibling that has contracted breast cancer does indicate an increased risk for an individual.

Another gene mutation that may play a role is the ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia mutation), involving a gene which plays a role in repairing DNA strands. Breast cancer risk is doubled when yet another, the CHEK-2 gene, mutates. Mutations in a gene called the p53 increase the odds, since it works to suppress tumor growth. Fortunately, these are all fairly low likelihood occurrences.

Until there are advancements in gene therapy, there isn't anything women or men can do to alter the genes which they were given. But knowing the risk factors can provide information needed to come up with a diagnosis. Knowing that you have a family history containing an individual with Cowden Syndrome, for example, provides you with more reason to seek frequent and early checkups.

By: www.thealternativecancertreatment.com

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