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Thursday, 26 August 2010 17:09 |
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What is breast cancer?The breast is a gland developed to produce milk. The lobules in the breast make the milk, which then drain through the ducts to the nipple.
Like other parts of our body, the cells in the breasts usually grow and then rest in cycles. Genes in the nucleus of the cell, control the periods of growth and rest in each cell. The cell’s nucleus is like the control room of each cell. When genes are in good working order, they keep cell growth under control. But when genes develop an abnormality, they sometimes lose their ability to control the cycle of cell growth.
Cancer is caused by the sequential accumulation of mutation in genes that regulate cell proliferation. Some of the cells in the breast have grown abnormally. These abnormal cells can grow more rapidly and have the potential to break through normal breast barriers and spread to other parts of the body. Cancer cells can occur in milk-producing ducts, lobules or in other breast tissues.
Even though cancer is always caused by a genetic abnormality, only 5-10% of cancers are inherited. 90% of breast cancers are due to genetic abnormalities that happen as a result of the aging process and life in general. Overall, approximately 15 percent of breast cancer is related to family history, and about half of this risk is attributed to cancer susceptibility genes. The two genes related to breast cancer are known as breast cancer gene 1 (BRCA1) and breast cancer gene 2 (BRCA2). Families that have genetics defects in one of these two genes have a much higher risk of developing both breast cancer and ovarian cancer. In addition, the gene code for ataxia telangiectasia, and TP53 are associated with breast cancer risk. If one of these genes is present in your family, you have 50 percent chance of having the gene.
However, most genetic mutations related to breast cancer are not inherited. These mutations most likely causes from radiation exposure or exposure to cancer causing chemicals (such as aromatic hydrocarbons frond in tobacco or alcohol). At the moment, researchers are trying to discover whether a relationship exists between a person’s genetic makeup and environmental factors that may contribute to an increased risk of breast cancer.
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Last Updated on Thursday, 18 November 2010 08:18 |
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