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Breast Cancer Screening and Prevention

Breast Cancer Genetics

Summary & Participants

There has been much talk in the popular media about the breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2--and researchers are currently in the process of mapping even more genes related to the development of breast cancer. It is estimated that only 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are hereditary, but genetic research will continue to further our understanding of this disease--and perhaps lead the way to a cure. Join our panel of experts for a look at the future of breast cancer genetics research.

Medically Reviewed On: January 14, 2008

Webcast Transcript

MICHELLE LAMOTHE, MD: Hello. I'm Dr. Michelle LaMothe, and thank you for joining in our webcast this evening.

There has been much talk in the popular media surround the breast cancer genes — BRCA1 and BRCA2. Researchers continue to map out additional genes related to the development of breast cancer.

Joining us today to talk about the future of breast cancer and genetics are two experts in the field. First, Dr. Linda Vahdat, who is with us from the New York Presbyterian Hospital, Columbia Campus. And with her is Gladys Rosenthal from the Strang Cancer Prevention Center at Cornell. Ladies, welcome, and thank you for helping me understand the future of genetics and breast cancer.

There are two genes right now, which we call BRCA1 — for breast cancer 1 — and breast cancer 2 genes. Are there more out there, Gladys?

GLADYS ROSENTHAL, MS, CGC: There probably are, and there is talk that they have found another gene, but the BRCA1 and BRCA2 are probably the most common genes that are associated with the increased risk of breast cancer.

MICHELLE LAMOTHE, MD: So if a woman is tested and is found to have a copy of a mutated gene, which we would say would be a damaged gene, she would be at an increased risk for the development of breast cancer. Linda, does that mean that she would develop breast cancer?

LINDA VAHDAT, MD: Absolutely not. If she had a mutated gene, certainly her risk of developing breast cancer over her lifetime is increased. Studies, in terms of incidence, have ranged anywhere from 50 to 87 percent, though there are many risk factors for breast cancer, BRCA 1 being just one of them. So we term it "multifactorial."

MICHELLE LAMOTHE, MD: So, A woman who does test positive for having one of these, BRCA1 or 2 genes, does not necessarily have a fate of breast cancer.

LINDA VAHDAT, MD: That's correct.

GLADYS ROSENTHAL, MS, CGC: It not only means that she will not develop the disease, but it's important to know it does not mean that she will die from the disease. There are many women with mutations who develop breast cancer who are cured.

MICHELLE LAMOTHE, MD: Tell us, Gladys, in your field of genetics, genetic counseling, where is the important research happening? There are other genes out there. What can we anticipate?

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