This month is known as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. While there are various causes of being diagnosed with this condition, some women inherit a breast cancer gene from a parent. Despite having the breast cancer gene, how can women still lower their risk of breast cancer? Let’s learn more about two of the most common types of breast cancer genes and the steps you can take to prevent being diagnosed.
What it Means to Have the Breast Cancer Gene
When you have the breast cancer gene, this means you have inherited gene changes, or mutations, from a parent. About 5% to 10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary, and the most common gene mutation that causes this is the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. In normal cells, these genes help make proteins that repair damaged DNA. When mutated versions of these genes are developed, they could lead to abnormal cell growth, which in turn could lead to cancer.
If you have inherited a mutated copy of either of these genes from one of your parents, your risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer could go up. Women with one of these mutations, either BRCA1 or BRCA2, could be diagnosed at a younger age. Because of this, many women have been taking action with their health by getting themselves screened for breast cancer early or undergoing preventative surgery. You may not be able to control what you inherit from your family, but you can control your risk.
Steps You Can Take to Lower Your Risk Despite Having the Gene
I’ve already mentioned two of the steps you can take to lower your risk of breast cancer despite inheriting a gene. Getting screened early is one of the most common things women with an inherited gene usually do. Some women may also consider preventive surgeries. If you’re a woman who has inherited the breast cancer gene, you may be wondering what other options are there to reduce your risk? Let’s dig a little deeper and learn more about the previous two that were mentioned, and a couple of other steps that are also important.
Seek a Genetic Counselor
Once you’ve learned that you have inherited the breast cancer gene, you may want to first consider seeing a genetic counselor. These are health professionals who could review your family history in detail to see how likely you are to have a family cancer syndrome called HBOC. It usually involves the samples of the patient’s saliva or blood being administered and sent to a lab for testing. Once you receive the results, it’s important to know that they may not provide clear answers for you concerning your risk of breast cancer. Meeting with a genetic counselor before deciding to get tested could help you decide if this is right for you.
Start an Early Personalized Screening Plan
As was mentioned earlier, getting screened early becomes more important for women with the breast cancer gene. You should consider more frequent doctor visits, possibly every 6-12 months. Some examples of screening tools are mammograms, breast MRI, and ultrasound. Some women who are BRCA carriers have started yearly mammograms at a younger age or even added another screening test.
Consider Preventative Options
Some patients with the breast cancer gene may find that going through surgery could be an option. One example of this is prophylactic mastectomy, which is preventative surgery that involves removing one or both of the breasts. This intensive surgery can lower breast cancer risk by 90% or more; however, there are some risks and side effects associated with it. Another preventative surgery option is prophylactic oophorectomy, which involves removing the ovaries. While this surgery is meant to lower the risk of ovarian cancer, some studies suggest this could reduce the risk of breast cancer, too. Before considering any of these preventative surgeries, be sure to talk to your cancer care team or a genetic counselor about whether this is the right option for you.
Lifestyle Changes You Can Take to Lower Your Risk
Of course, many women have found changing their lifestyle to help lower their risk. Eating healthier, plant-based foods and exercising regularly could help women with the breast cancer gene. Making some adjustments to your current habits is one of the most important things to do when you’re BRCA-positive. One study shows that four out of ten cancer cases among US women are said to be prevented by healthier lifestyle choices. Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink and quitting smoking are both factors in decreasing your risk of breast cancer. Adapting better lifestyle choices and implementing medical prevention could go hand in hand, lowering your risk.
Take Control of Your Risk
If you’re one of many women who are carrying the breast cancer gene, there is still hope for you in lowering your risk. It’s important to do some research in finding a genetic counselor and starting an early personalized screening plan with your doctor. If possible, consider preventative options such as prophylactic mastectomy and prophylactic oophorectomy to reduce your risk of breast cancer. Of course, lifestyle changes such as eating healthier, exercising, and drinking less alcohol are also beneficial. You may not be able to change your genes, but all of these steps are essential in controlling your risk of breast cancer.
If you carry the breast cancer gene, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, which one of these steps have you done? Feel free to share your (or anyone else you know) personal experience with the breast cancer condition in the comments section below. As always, be sure to like or share this post with the next woman you know coping with this illness.
