Every year there are 2x cases of breast cancer, which multiply yearly with new complications. Many factors could support them, but understanding the gene involvement and how it makes the process go worse and spread uncontrollably is essential. And thus, there are many people who, despite their awareness, do not know the mutations. 

It is concluded after many studies that most cancers are hereditary, transferred from blood lineage, and result from a genetic predisposition.

Somehow there are many causes and predisposition genes that can lead to cancer. The main highlight of this topic is breast cancer - which is caused by the BRCA1 or BRCA2. Though not all people with BRCA1 or BRCA2 will be diagnosed with breast cancer somehow, it's crucial to know the factors and preventions associated with it.

 

What does it mean to have BRCA mutations?

According to the study, BRCA1 and BRCA2 are two main genes that are designated tumor suppressors, especially when the cancer cells start growing out of control. When these two genes work miraculously together, they move to the cells where damaged cells are cluttered and repair them in order for them to work properly again. That is how these two genes work and suppress the cancerous tissues and cells.

 

BRCA1 vs. BRCA2

So what's the difference between BRCA 1 and BRCA 2? The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are like instruction manuals for our bodies, telling cells how to work properly. Sometimes, these instruction manuals can have mistakes thats called mutations.  

Somehow, If there's a mistake in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, it can make a person more likely to get certain kinds of cancers that is mentioned above. BRCA mutation is the process that occurs when one person is born with a genetic problem since this is typically hereditary.

 

Differences

BRCA1	BRCA2
The BRCA1 in them does not work by suppressing the tumor cell growth. It turns into cancers	BRCA2 mutations are associated with an increased risk of the following cancers.
Ovarian cancer	Ovarian cancer
Prostate cancer	Prostate cancer
Pancreatic cancer and	Melanoma
A mistake in the BRCA1 gene can raise the chance of getting breast cancer, especially a kind called "triple-negative" that's hard to treat	Whereas BRCA2-associated breast cancers are generally estrogen receptor-positive
But if it's the BRCA1 gene with a mistake, the chance for men is 1%, which is lower.	If the BRCA2 gene has a mistake, men have a 6% chance of getting breast cancer in their lifetime.

 

Who should go for BRCA gene mutations Test, and how does it work?

This all starts with the family genetic history. Even if someone is concerned, they get the BRCA or have it already, and their Family medical health history will explain and make it easy to draw any conclusion. In case your family has the BRCA mutation, you may be a candidate for testing. 

Then comes the blood testing, which is the second step here. But in the family history, there comes two cases if your parent is the only child or if he/she was an adopted kid then according to Dr. Rana, there's different possibilities for the BRCA mutation to pass on in the blood. If your family does have the BRCA mutation health issue, then it is crucial to bring it up to your doctor before you go for any testing. 

 

Treatment and Detection

According to many studies and experiments, there's a conclusion that for testing and treatment, one should go for a mammogram and breast MRI every year or twice a year. Both of the screenings test increase the odds of the early detection and treatment of cancer, should it develop.

Tamoxifen is a type of medicine that offers an alternative solution. It does this by reducing the number of special spots called estrogen receptors in the cells of the breast. These receptors are like little places where a substance called estrogen can attach itself. Moreover, By reducing the number of these spots, Tamoxifen helps to lower the chances of a specific type of breast cancer that happens when estrogen is involved.

To put it simply, Tamoxifen is like a blocker that prevents estrogen from causing certain kinds of breast cancer. It's like taking away the keys to a door, so estrogen can't get in and cause trouble. However, This medicine is particularly useful for people at risk of estrogen-related breast cancer, as it helps keep the harmful effects of estrogen in check and contributes to reducing the likelihood of developing this type of cancer.

 

BRCA Gene Mutation: Concluding Thoughts

Somehow, BRCA mutation is a serious condition in which the BRCA1 and BRCA2 does not work properly to stop the tumor cell growth. This condition does not show any symptoms specifically. And Anyhow, BRCA mutation occurs mostly in females and with lesser chances in males. This is only the case if they inherit from their parents. If men have this mutation, there are silent processes, but women tend to develop cancer if they have BRCA mutations. You should get yourself a checkup regularly by this means twice a year with two screenings, mammogram and blood tests. This will help to increase the chances of early detection. To know more about the differences of BRCA1 and BRCA2, book an appointment with the specialist doctor for an in-person meeting.