What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops from the breast tissue. Breast cancer happens when the cells in the breast gets mutated and grows out of control. This further forms tumor or neoplastic mass.
Types of Breast Cancer:
1) Invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC): This is the most common type of breast cancer and originates in the milk ducts. This type of cancer further invades the surrounding tissues.
2) Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC): This type of breast cancer originates in the milk-producing glands (lobules) and further spread to surrounding tissues.
3) Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS): This type of cancer originates in the milk ducts and have not spread to the surrounding tissues.
4) Lobar carcinoma in situ (LCIS): This type of cancer originates in the milk-producing glands (lobules) and have not spread to the surrounding tissues.
Well known genetic mutations, particularly the mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA 2 plays a significant role in hereditary breast cancer. BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes produces proteins that helps to repair the damaged DNA. These genes when mutated leads to impaired DNA damage repair and abnormal cell growth thereby predisposing an individual to increased risk of breast cancer.
Certain key points about genetic mutations in Breast Cancer as follows:
1) BRCA1 and BRCA2: It is well-known fact that mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most common cause of hereditary breast cancer. Women with mutation in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are at a significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to general population. These are DNA repair genes and it’s impaired function further lead higher predisposition to breast cancer.
2) Other Genetic Mutations: Other known genetic mutations, such as PALB2, ATM, CHEK2, and TP53 can also contribute to increased risk of developing breast cancer.
3) Hereditary vs Sporadic: Hereditary breast cancer accounts for small percentage of breast cancer cases. It is also well known that most of the cases are sporadic and not directly linked to any genetic mutations.
4) Risk Factors: In addition to inherited genetic mutations, other risk factors for breast cancer include lifestyle factors, age, family history, and hormonal factors.
It is also most-important to note that having certain genetic mutations does not guarantee that one might definitely develop breast cancer. It is most important to consult qualified genetic counsellor or Oncologist for risk assessment.
When should I consider genetic testing to reduce the risk of breast cancer?
Genetic testing is a valuable tool in order to asses an individual risk of breast cancer, especially if you have family history of breast cancer or other risk factors. Here are some factors that will help you to decide:
1) When Genetic Testing is recommended:- Family History of Breast Cancer: It means when you have multiple family members suffering from breast, ovarian, and other types of cancers. Genetic testing is also recommended when a relative is diagnosed with breast cancer at early age.
- Personal History: When you have been diagnosed or treated with breast cancer and further you want to know the risk of recurrence or developing other types of cancer.
- Specific Ethnic Background: Certain groups, such as Ashkenazi Jewish individuals, have a higher likelihood of BRCA mutations.
- Other Risk Factors: A close relative with a known genetic mutation (e.g. BRCA1, BRCA2, or others).
Benefits of Genetic Testing:
1) Helps in Risk Assessment: Genetic testing for breast cancer helps in risk assessment by identifying certain known genetic mutations like BRCA1 and BRCA2.
2) Helps in planning preventive measures: Genetic testing for breast cancer helps to plan tailored preventive treatment strategies, like lifestyle changes, and preventive surgery. Bilateral mastectomy with Oophorectomy is recommended for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations and strong family history of cancer.
3) Help in family planning: Genetic testing helps in better family planning related decision making so as to ameliorate the risk of breast cancer.
Treatment of Breast Cancer through Ayurveda
Dr. Ravi Gupta is a well-known and esteemed Ayurveda Cancer Consultant and has over 12 years of successful experience of treating Cancer through Ayurveda. He has experience of treating many types of cancer like lung cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, stomach cancer etc. He strongly believes in integration of traditional Ayurvedic Principles with modern modalities for the treatment and betterment of cancer patients.
For Treatment Cancer through Ayurveda, Kindly Call +91-9819274611.
