(1888PressRelease)
September 21, 2007 - BRCA, known as the "breast cancer gene," is one of several genetic mutations (alterations in the body's genetic material) that have been associated with the development of breast and ovarian cancer. Changes in two genes, known as BRCA1 and BRCA2 can be inherited and lead to a markedly increased risk for developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
According to Dr. Sanjida, Director Research, Only about 5% of women with breast cancer are found to carry a mutated BRCA gene. Studies have confirmed that women who carry these BRCA mutations have a high risk for development of breast cancer, up to seven times that of women who do not have BRCA gene alterations. By the age of 80, women with BRCA mutations have about an 80% chance of developing breast cancer. Having a BRCA mutation also predisposes a woman to developing breast cancer at an early age.
Based on data of UAE National Cancer registry, Ms. Aida Omar, Sr. Marketing Executive said among females of UAE the top three cancers were breast cancer (22.8% of all cancers among females), thyroid cancer (9.4%) and leukemia (8.6%).
Men who carry one of the BRCA mutations also have an increased risk for breast cancer.
BRCA mutations also increase the risk of ovarian cancer. About 1.7% of women in the general population get ovarian cancer as compared with 16%-60% of women with BRCA1 or BRCA 2 mutations. Both male and female carriers of these mutant genes have a slightly increased risk for the development of other kinds of cancer, including lymphoma, colon cancer, melanoma, and pancreatic cancer.
Increasingly, direct genetic testing for germline mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes is used to identify patients at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). Genetic testing for germline mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 is indicated for:
• Individuals with a personal or family history of breast cancer before age 50 or ovarian cancer at any age
• Individuals with two or more primary diagnoses of breast and/or ovarian cancer
• Individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent with a personal or family history of breast cancer before age 50 or ovarian cancer at any age
• Male breast cancer patients
For more information on BRCA or predictive genetic test for patients who may have a predisposition for hereditary breast or ovarian cancer, call Eastern Biotech & Life Sciences FZ-LLC on 971-4-3692061 or Order a kit by mail info ( @ ) easternbiotech dot com
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