Breast cancer in your family? Read this and save yourself some grief

In the world of science, researchers worked tirelessly to validate -- or to invalidate the conclusions of their fellow scientists. For one breast cancer study published in 2007, it appears that the results have been disproven, and concerned women can breathe a sigh of relief.

STANFORD, CA (Catholic Online) - The 2007 study suggested that women were at higher risk of breast cancer if their mothers or sisters had a particular genetic mutation -- even if those women did not have the mutation themselves. The new study appears to show this is not the case.
The new report was published Monday in the Journal of Clinical Oncology and follows women whose relatives have the BRCA gene. It concludes that these women can be a little less worried about the illness.

Risk factors are important for many reasons. Chiefly, a person who has a lot of risk factors should make an effort to take preventative steps and have additional screenings. Two genes known as BRCA1 and BRCA2, have been identified as contributing to a substantial increase in the risk of developing cancer. Women with these genes have a 50 - 50 chance of developing cancer by the age of 50. The 2007 study also showed that women who had the mutation in their family were also at elevated risk.

Until now, women who knew the genetic mutation was in their family had to take strong preventative measures. Among those measures were to take tamoxifen, a drug that has been shown to reduce the risk of cancer, and a few have even elected to undergo double mastectomies despite having no signs of cancer whatsoever.

But now, the Stanford study has shown there is no increased risk from being related to somebody with the mutation. The new study followed 3,000 families, of which 300 had the mutation. Doctors want to reassure women who do not have the mutation, that their risk is not greater. And that they do not need to resort to additional screenings, or more dramatic options such as tamoxifen and mastectomies as a means of normalizing their risk.

This does not mean that people without the mutation should still take prudent measures. Preventative care, such as avoiding smoking and other toxic substances, proper diet and exercise, self-examinations, and mammograms are all part of a healthy and normal lifestyle and should continue. 

Breast cancer is the most common form of cancer found in women. In the United States, there are approximately 230,000 new diagnoses every year. Fortunately, it is one of the most treatable diseases, provided it is detected early.

---

'Help Give every Student and Teacher FREE resources for a world-class Moral Catholic Education'