Hereditary BreastBreast & OvarianOvarian Cancer

Knowing one’s family medical history can be life-saving.

Hereditary Breast Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancerand Ovarian Cancer

GENES: BRCA 1 & BRCA 2GENES: BRCA 1 & BRCA 2

BRCABRCA 1 1 52%52%

UNCERTAINUNCERTAIN16%16%

Hereditary

Looking deeper into the DNALooking deeper into the DNA

Hereditary = Born with the mutation

Sporadic = damage occurs after birth

MUTATION = increased MUTATION = increased risk for cancerrisk for cancer

Alcohol /poor Diet / TobaccoWeak immune systemObesity/ Lifestyle/HormonesEnvironment/Getting older

Consider…Consider…

How is a mutated gene passed on?How is a mutated gene passed on?

Cancer risks of BRCA 1 / 2 carriers Cancer risks of BRCA 1 / 2 carriers compared to General Populationcompared to General Population

Genetic Material SamplingGenetic Material Sampling

• Blood

• Saliva (Buccal cells)

Having the mutation does not necessarily

mean that you will

develop cancer.It means you are at a higher higher

riskrisk for developing cancer compared to someone who does

not have the mutation.

Possible Recommendations: If there is a mutation [+]

•Risk-reducing mastectomy

•Risk-reducing removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes

•Use of medications known to minimize risk: Tamoxifen or Raloxifene

Managing the riskManaging the risk