Cancer Gene BRCA1

BRCA1 is a gene which belongs in a class or category of genes known as tumor suppressors. The gene BRCA1 can mutate or be damaged and because of this mutation, there is a link with hereditary cancer particularly breast cancer in women. The BRCA1 gene can also mutate in men leading to breast cancer although this is much rarer with men than with women.

BRCA1 was only discovered in 1994 but its discovery means people are able to know the likelihood of possible cancer growths due to this gene being handed down through their family.

If you are concerned or curious about BRCA1, you can have a sample of your blood tested to see if there is a mutation effect in your genes. If there is, this doesn’t mean you have cancer or will get cancer but it does mean there is an increased likelihood you will acquire the disease.

There are steps you can take to counter this situation. Remember that early detection of cancer greatly increases the chances of defeating the disease.

The steps you can take include screening. This is highly recommended in any case. There are different methods of breast examination and new trials are always being carried out. Early detection is vital.

It is also possible to surgically remove tissue which is deemed to be potentially dangerous. This is no guarantee that cancer will not develop but it can seriously reduce the chances of the cancer beginning.

Lifestyle changes are equally important. Obesity, alcohol consumption, sensible exercise and a healthy diet are all factors which most people can control. You can and should take control of these aspects of your life and reduce the risk of becoming ill.

Awareness is also important. Knowing the fact that the risk increases with age and having knowledge of your family medical history is important. Educate yourself and be proactive rather than reactive.

Know too that things like the contraceptive pill and HRT may have an effect. Studies tend to discount the cancer links with the contraceptive pill but side effects from Hormone Replacement Therapy do suggest there may be a possible link with breast cancer in some women.

As is the case with all cancers, there are current studies being done to find ways to better detect, treat and prevent cancer in people who have a mutation in their BRCA1 gene. This is on-going work and sufferers should take heart in the breakthroughs which have happened already.

One side issue, although no less important, is that of obtaining health insurance. In the United States new legislation has only recently been prepared which will make it illegal for a person with a certain condition such as the BRCA1 mutation gene, to be discriminated against in seeking to obtain medical insurance.