BRCA Enhance your chances for finding cancer early

The most prevalent cancers in women, according to the World Health Organization's (WHO) World Cancer Report, are cervical cancer (97,000 cases) and breast cancer (162,500 cases). In a pioneering study conducted in India, Indian women with ovarian and fallopian tube cancer were shown to have germline BRCA mutations, even in the absence of any obvious family history of breast or ovarian cancer.  

Human tumour suppressor genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 are in charge of repairing DNA damage. A mutation in either of these genes may prevent the correct repair of DNA damage. The indivisuals are consequently more susceptible to developing specific diseases, such as ovarian and breast cancer. 

People with hereditary BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations typically experience breast and ovarian cancer at a younger age than those without these mutations. The most frequent cancers in women are cervical cancer (97,000 cases) and breast cancer (162,500 cases), according to the World Health Organization's World Cancer Report. Despite declining incidence rates in some areas of the nation, India bears a disproportionately large share of the burden of ovarian cancer globally, making it essential to recognise and identify the silent killer sooner. The cross-sectional, multicenter, observational study was carried out in 9 locations, including the Tata Memorial Hospital Centre, Basavatkaram Indo American Cancer Hospital, Sushrut Hospital, BLK Superspeciality Hospital, Sir Gangaram Hospital, Medica Superspeciality Hospital, Omega Hospitals, Max Saket, and HCG Cancer Hospital, in major Indian cities. 

Genetic testing: BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are searched for during genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. A multigene panel test, which simultaneously examines BRCA1 and BRCA2 for abnormalities, may be recommended by your doctor. The genetic counsellor can assist you in choosing the most advantageous testing plan for both you and your family. If at all feasible, have a member of your family who has had breast, ovarian, or any cancer linked to the BRCA gene tested first. Genetic testing can begin with an unaffected person if none of your relatives who have battled one of these cancers are accessible.  If your test is positive, it means you have a mutation that is known to contribute to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. You can take precautions to lower your risk of developing cancer or to detect it early if you do. A variant of uncertain significance (VUS) result means that the test detected a mutation in a gene linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, but it is unclear if that particular mutation really causes cancer. While some gene mutations prohibit appropriate gene function, others have no impact. It might be challenging to determine if a gene mutation will be detrimental. 

Medical options: Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations who have not yet developed breast or ovarian cancer have a variety of treatment choices for reducing their chance of developing the diseases. Surgery like Salpingo-oophorectomy, Mastectomy or Double Mastectomy is the most effective method of cancer prevention.

The most prevalent cancers in women, according to the World Health Organization's (WHO) World Cancer Report, are cervical cancer (97,000 cases) and breast cancer (162,500 cases). In a pioneering study conducted in India, Indian women with ovarian and fallopian tube cancer were shown to have germline BRCA mutations, even in the absence of any obvious family history of breast or ovarian cancer.  

Human tumour suppressor genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 are in charge of repairing DNA damage. A mutation in either of these genes may prevent the correct repair of DNA damage. The indivisuals are consequently more susceptible to developing specific diseases, such as ovarian and breast cancer. 

People with hereditary BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations typically experience breast and ovarian cancer at a younger age than those without these mutations. The most frequent cancers in women are cervical cancer (97,000 cases) and breast cancer (162,500 cases), according to the World Health Organization's World Cancer Report. Despite declining incidence rates in some areas of the nation, India bears a disproportionately large share of the burden of ovarian cancer globally, making it essential to recognise and identify the silent killer sooner. The cross-sectional, multicenter, observational study was carried out in 9 locations, including the Tata Memorial Hospital Centre, Basavatkaram Indo American Cancer Hospital, Sushrut Hospital, BLK Superspeciality Hospital, Sir Gangaram Hospital, Medica Superspeciality Hospital, Omega Hospitals, Max Saket, and HCG Cancer Hospital, in major Indian cities. 

Genetic testing: BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations are searched for during genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. A multigene panel test, which simultaneously examines BRCA1 and BRCA2 for abnormalities, may be recommended by your doctor. The genetic counsellor can assist you in choosing the most advantageous testing plan for both you and your family. If at all feasible, have a member of your family who has had breast, ovarian, or any cancer linked to the BRCA gene tested first. Genetic testing can begin with an unaffected person if none of your relatives who have battled one of these cancers are accessible.  If your test is positive, it means you have a mutation that is known to contribute to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. You can take precautions to lower your risk of developing cancer or to detect it early if you do. A variant of uncertain significance (VUS) result means that the test detected a mutation in a gene linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, but it is unclear if that particular mutation really causes cancer. While some gene mutations prohibit appropriate gene function, others have no impact. It might be challenging to determine if a gene mutation will be detrimental. 

Medical options: Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations who have not yet developed breast or ovarian cancer have a variety of treatment choices for reducing their chance of developing the diseases. Surgery like Salpingo-oophorectomy, Mastectomy or Double Mastectomy is the most effective method of cancer prevention.

Other medical options: Other available options may reduce the chance of developing cancer or improve the likelihood of detecting it earlier, but the effectiveness of these options is less certain like taking medications (such as tamoxifen and raloxifene, and aromatase inhibitors) to lower the chance of developing breast or ovarian cancer, yearly screening with breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and mammogram, possibly starting at a younger age, clinical breast exams, starting at a younger age and done more frequently, screening for ovarian cancer with transvaginal ultrasound and CA-125 blood tests and engaging in healthy behaviors, such as keeping a healthy weight and exercising regularly.