Cutting-edge genetic testing methods are now allowing people to determine if they have an elevated risk of developing breast cancer.  

Possessing mutations in the two genes associated with breast cancer, (BRCA1 or BRCA2) indicates an 80 to 90 percent risk of developing breast cancer by age 70. 

These genes are involved in fixing broken DNA.  When they are abnormal, they fail to fix critical breaks in a gene known as PTEN, which is responsible for stunting tumor growth. 

The most current genetic test, Mammaprint, can analyze up to 70 genetic traits and predict the patient’s risk factor for getting breast cancer.  Knowing their risk, a person can then plan for future treatments and preventative measures. 

Genetic tests are available to anyone and can be valuable, especially to those who are at risk because of their family’s genetic history.  Risk factors include family history of breast or ovarian cancer.

Genetic testing for breast cancer can be beneficial for men, too.  As shocking as it may seem, males accounted for 1,690 of the 211,400 breast cancer diagnoses in 2005 alone.  Studies show that men with abnormal BRCA2 genes are 80 times more likely to develop breast cancer than men without the mutation.

While both genes can indicate a risk for developing cancer, the BRCA2 gene is more likely to be associated with the disease.  It is said to increase a man’s risk of developing breast cancer by age 70 by 6.8 percent and is also linked to an increased likeliness of developing prostate cancer.

Even if a man with the mutations does not develop cancer, he can still pass these genes to his children, regardless of their sex.  This is also true for females.  An adult with either of the mutations has a one-in-two chance of passing the gene on to their children, which increases their risks of developing breast cancer.

New research in the medical field is making significant advancements in predicting the risk of breast cancer possible.  As doctors identify the specific abnormalities of these genes, and the risk factors that go along with them, they are on track to developing advanced treatments—or even a cure. 

[Sources:  U.S. News and World Report; http://www.breastcancer.org]