is breast cancer a genetic disorder?

Answer 1

Very few cancers can be given by the mother to a child. Therefore, strictly speaking cancer is mostly NOT inherited.

Predisposition to cancer IS inherited. People may inherit defective genes which normally protect us from cancer. some examples are P53, PTEN and Rb.

Mutant genes may also cause conditions favorable to cancer. HPCC, an inherited condition where the colon is lined with benign polyps, is one of those conditions which has a greatly increased risk of colon cancer.

In breast cancer, women may have mutant BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 which increases their risk of breast cancer many times. Again, this is an increased risk not a guarantee cancer will occur. There are other genes which make women more suspectible to breast cancer too like BRIP1.

Genetic testing for many of these genes is available. People with family history of cancer should perhaps have this done to find out about their risk. This MAY allow for proactive management like a preventative double mascetomy or more frequent screening.

Answer 2

It can be, but not always. Sometimes breast cancers are genetic and sometimes they aren't. That's why everybody needs to be checked out regularly. But, if there IS breast cancer in your family you need to be checked about 10 years prior to the age the relative was diagnosed. And the checks need to be more frequent.

Answer 3

From the Susan Komen breast cancer site:
http://www.komen.org/intradoc-cgi/idc_cgi_isapi.dll?IdcService=SS_GET_PAGE&nodeId=298

Genetic.....well, all I can tell you is that I had it 7 years ago and my older sister was just diagnosed a few months ago. But none of our grandmothers, great aunts or our mother, etc. ever had it.

Answer 4

If your mother, grandmother or sister has fought breast cancer, your odds are higher than someone whose family has been free of it.

Answer 5

yes it can be if your mother, grandmother, family members have had it you may stand a better chance of getting it.

Answer 6

if most people in your family have it you there is a 80% change you will have it


*Vam*