The development of breast cancer is favored by various factors, which are divided into controllable and non-controllable risks. The factors that cannot be influenced include age, a family history, genetic predispositions and hormonal influences - such as early menstruation or a late menopause. Influenceable risk factors mainly relate to lifestyle: diet, alcohol consumption, smoking, lack of exercise and obesity.
Genetic causes are rare
Only around 5 to 10 percent of all breast cancers are hereditary. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the most common, but changes in other genes can also play a role. In the Meilen district, around 60 to 120 women are affected by BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations.
Who should get tested?
Genetic counseling is particularly useful for women with a family history - i.e. if close relatives such as a mother, sister or aunt have breast or ovarian cancer or a genetic mutation is already known. There are constellations in which a genetic background is more likely, for example: - Disease before the age of 40 - Certain types of breast cancer - Bilateral breast cancer - Breast cancer in a man in the family - Occurrence of ovarian cancer This list is not exhaustive - there are other criteria that may speak in favor of genetic clarification.
What does a positive test result mean?
Individually tailored measures can be planned for the person affected, such as close monitoring, lifestyle adjustments or preventive surgery, in order to significantly reduce the risk. Genetic tests for familial breast and ovarian cancer offer the opportunity to better understand the personal risk and to take targeted preventative measures. Anyone who wants to find out more about their individual risk should take advantage of genetic counseling - it can save lives
