Inherited predisposition to breast cancer.
Breast and ovarian cancers sometimes occur in families. Linkage studies in these families have led to the mapping and then cloning of two predisposing genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2. Together these genes probably account for rather less than 5% of all breast and ovarian cancers. In the medium term, understanding the function of the proteins encoded by these genes should lead to a better understanding of how the cancers develop, and the design of new approaches to treatment and prevention. Of more immediate concern is the possibility of genetic testing for cancer susceptibility in families. In multiple-case families, where the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation is likely to be present and there are clear clinical decisions to be taken, genetic testing is not controversial. The costs and benefits of wider testing are much less clear.
Ponder
B A
BA
CRC Human Cancer Genetics Group, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, U.K.
D019313:BRCA1 Protein / Q000235:genetics; D024682:BRCA2 Protein; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D005260:Female; D005819:Genetic Markers; D006801:Humans; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics; D014157:Transcription Factors / Q000235:genetics
D019313:BRCA1 Protein; D024682:BRCA2 Protein; D005819:Genetic Markers; D009363:Neoplasm Proteins; D014157:Transcription Factors