Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer

Cells in general develop and divide simply when they are required to keep our bodies running appropriately. But occasionally, the mechanisms that control cell development end working and cells break up out of control to shape tumors. This is named cancer. When it expands in the cells of breast or ovarian tissue it is called breast or ovarian cancer, respectively.

Breast cancer is the most widespread type of cancer amongst American women, influencing approximately 1 in 8 throughout their lifetime. Ovarian cancer distresses roughly 1 in 70 women. In 2004, about 217,000 persons in the United States (estimation based on Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER ) were diagnosed with breast cancer.

Most people who expand breast or ovarian cancer have no record of the disease in their family. Actually, only 5 to 10 percent of these types of cancers are caused by hereditary genetic factors. These uncommon cases generally are caused by hereditary mutations in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.

But for some people, a number of types of cancer, like breast and ovarian cancer look to run in families. There is an examination that might inform a number of people if they are at risk for breast, ovarian, and other cancers. Before getting tested, although, there are a lot of factors you ought to think about. You have a significant family history if:

* You have two or more close family members who suffered breast and/or ovarian cancer, and/or

* The breast cancer in the family members has been discovered prior to the age of 50.

Therefore you must be referred to a specialist if you have:

* A minimum of one of each tumour (ie one breast cancer, one ovarian cancer), with the breast cancer being diagnosed under 50 years. This could be in the same person as well. or

* Two cases of ovarian cancer in your close family.

Talk to your doctor or other health care professional qualified in genetics on your family history. He or she could assist you know if you possess a significant family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer. The information might assist you learn regarding your cancer risk and assist you make a decision if genetic testing is appropriate for you.

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