Detect Breast Cancer Risks through Genetic Tests and Mammograms

There are several ways to detect breast cancer. Mammograms have been the most common method until the discovery of the BRAC1 and BRAC2 genes associated with breast cancer risk. Now genetic testing for breast cancer is available.

The human genes BRAC1 and BRAC2 are considered tumor suppressors. They help with the stability of the genetic material, DNA, of a gene. BRAC stands for breast cancer susceptibility. Just how are these genes used to determine your risk of cancer? It has been shown that the BRAC1 gene mutation is linked to a greater risk of breast, colon, and cervical, pancreatic and uterine cancers. BRAC2 mutations are linked to a greater risk of breast, stomach, pancreatic, bile duct, and gallbladder cancers as well a melanoma. Men with the BRAC1 mutation have increased risk of breast, testicular, pancreatic and early onset prostate cancers. The BRAC2 mutation in men is more associated with breast, prostate and pancreatic cancers in men.

If you are concerned you can have genetic testing for breast cancer current to determine if you have the BRAC1 or BRAC2 mutation. The benefit of genetic testing for breast cancer is there if the results are both positive and negative. If you test negative you can rest assured and be spared of unnecessary special tests and surgeries. If you test positive you can take preventative steps to help reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.

There are risks associated with genetic testing for breast cancer. The direct medical risk is very small. But the potential emotional risk could be great if you test positive. Even those who test negative many experience the feeling of "survivor guilt" it they are spared from a disease and a person they love has not. Genetic testing can reveal other information that may cause family tensions and may have unforeseen effects on your life choices of having children and getting married.

The more common method to detect breast cancer, mammograms, has been used for since the 1960s with very little negative effects. Mammograms can detect cancers that are too small to be felt in a breast self exam. Mammograms are recommended if you have a lump, discharge, pain or any other unusual change in your breasts. Today modern mammography equipment exposes the breast to much lower doses of radiation than ever before.

Mammography is performed by compressing the breast between two plates. The top plate is plastic and the bottom is the x-ray plate. This is done to keep your breast from moving, reduce blurring, reduce your exposure to x-rays and provided a sharper image. There is a certain amount of discomfort associated with the compression but it last for a limited amount of time.

A screening mammography is recommended even if you are not having any symptoms. The goal is to find any cancer development before it get very large. Finding breast cancer in the earliest stages improves the success of your treatment.

By genetic testing for breast cancer you can determine if you are more at risk to develop breast cancer prior to coming down with the disease. Breast cancer mammograms are uses to find cancers in their early stages to improve your survival rate. It is your personal choice which diagnostic methods, if any, you will choose.


The more people learn about breast cancer mammograms and different breast cancer natural cures, the better. You can visit our website for further information on more effective ways to overcome cancer through genetic testing for breast cancer.

http://topbreastcancerawareness.com/
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