Breast Cancer Awareness Month: ​Understanding Hereditary Breast ‍Cancer

October⁣ is Breast Cancer ⁢Awareness Month, a time to ⁤focus on​ the importance of early detection and treatment of breast cancer.‌ Hereditary breast cancer, which accounts for approximately 10% of all breast cancers, is caused by⁢ mutated genes inherited from parents.

What is Hereditary Breast Cancer?

Hereditary breast cancer occurs when the BRCA gene, which suppresses indiscriminate cell division, does not function properly due to a mutation. This can lead to the development of not only ⁢breast cancer, but also‌ cancer of the‌ ovaries, pancreas, uterus, cervix, and fallopian tubes.

How is Hereditary Breast Cancer Diagnosed?

A genetic mutation ⁤test can⁢ confirm the presence of a BRCA gene mutation through a simple blood test.⁢ This test only needs to be done​ once in a lifetime.

Screening ⁤and Prevention

If you are a​ “breast cancer gene mutation carrier,” you should plan when to begin screening by⁢ considering your family history. Recommended screening options ​include:

• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the breast once or twice ⁤a year⁣ for‍ those over 25
• A combination of a mammogram and breast exam every year for those over 30
• Transvaginal ultrasound and blood tests with‌ ovarian cancer ⁤tumor markers starting at age 30 for those with‌ a family member with ovarian cancer

Prophylactic Measures

For carriers, prophylactic measures ​such as resection may be recommended to reduce cancer incidence and mortality.⁤ However, this is typically ⁣recommended on⁢ a case-by-case basis.

Expert Insights

Gwang-Hyeon Yoon, professor of surgery at the Cancer ⁤Center ‍of Gangneung Asan ⁤Hospital, emphasizes the importance of individual⁢ risk assessment and personalized testing to prevent breast cancer. “The important thing is to determine accurately your condition through individual risk assessment and personalized testing​ to prevent the disease accordingly, and establishing a ⁤screening plan,” he ‍stressed.

By understanding‌ hereditary breast cancer and taking proactive steps ⁤towards screening and prevention, we can work towards​ a future where⁣ breast cancer is⁤ no longer a life-threatening disease.