BRAC

what is brac 1  and 2 and is it hereditary and what are the options for someone that has tested positive for BRAC 1and 2 and HPV?

[zouzi]

Hi,
Please click on the link below where you'll find comments (by our 2 wonderful members Sue Young and butterfly2222) with very interesting information concerning  BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 tests and options.

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Breast-Cancer/Mastectomy--Ovary-Removal-Reduce-Some-Cancer-Risk-and-Mortality/show/1333659#post_6097636
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For what concerns HPV,you could  post in the "Gynecology Expert Forum",because this here Forum, deals only with breast issues.Please click on the link below to get you there.

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Gynecology/show/103

I hope this helps....

[bluebutterfly2222]

Hi and welcome to our community,

First, some information about breast cancer rates:

In the United States currently, 1 in 8 women  will develop BC during their lifetimes (approx. 12%).

Having a family history of BC in a first-degree relative makes a woman's risk 1.5-2 times higher. Having two first degree relatives with BC makes a woman's risk 4-6 times higher.

The risk of breast cancer in carriers of BRCA1 mutation is estimated to be 36-87%.  Lifetime breast cancer risk for carriers of BRCA2 is 45-84%.

Here is a brief description of  BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genetic testing and a link to a more detailed discussion of it:

http://www.facingourrisk.org/info_research/hereditary-cancer/genetic-testing/index.php

BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genetic testing
The two genes most commonly associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer are called BRCA1 and BRCA2 (for Breast Cancer 1 and Breast Cancer 2 genes).  There is a test which can be performed on blood or cheek swabs that can tell if a person carries a mutation in one of these genes.

There are several different types of BRCA tests that can be ordered; each looks for mutations at different sites along the genes. It's important that the correct test is ordered or the results may not be meaningful. A genetics expert will assure that the proper test is ordered.

The first person in a family to have genetic testing will usually have “full-sequencing” of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which means the lab examines the entire DNA of both genes to see if there is a known cancer-causing mutation in one of these genes. The cost of this test is about $4000.

If a mutation has already been identified in a family, then often (but not always) a “single-site” test can be ordered to look for the specific mutation that was already found. The cost of this test is about $400.

Best wishes,
bluebutterfly

[Tinabudde]

brca 1 and 2 are genes responsible for breast cancer.  Basically there are alot of options, you can watch yourself more knowing you have them by doing breast exams, going for extra mammograms per year or some people are drastic and have preventative surgeries to remove breasts and hysterectomies.  

[SueYoung55]

You said :"brca 1 and 2 are genes responsible for breast cancer".

That's not a correct statement. Please research further. Thank you.

[Tinabudde]

A BRCA mutation is a mutation in either of the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. Harmful mutations in these genes produce a hereditary breast-ovarian cancer syndrome in affected families. They are not responsible for all types of breast cancer but for some types.

[Tinabudde]

I should have explained that better than I did, I apologize for that.  The gene mutation was responsible for my breast cancer.  I posted another post to explain better what I meant.  Sorry for that!  I still have brain fogs after all this time.