To understand the inherited risk of cancer, it is important first to know what BRCA1 and BRCA2 ar…

To understand the inherited risk of cancer, it is important first to know what BRCA1 and BRCA2 are. BRCA, short for Breast Cancer genes, are genes that produce proteins which repair damaged DNA, and their gene products play a significant role in tumor suppression and maintaining genetic stability.

When either BRCA1 (Breast Cancer gene 1) or BRCA2 (Breast Cancer gene 2) is mutated, their DNA repair function is disrupted, which leads to uncontrolled cell growth, resulting in cancer. Mutations in these genes are passed down through either one or both parents in families and are thus present in all cells of the body since birth. Doctors recommend BRCA1 and BRCA2 tests while testing individuals with certain risk factors. These risk factors include:

A personal or family history of breast cancer. A known history of ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer in close relatives. History of male breast cancer in the family. A known BRCA mutation in a close relative. Multiple family members diagnosed with ovarian, pancreatic, or prostate cancer. Individuals from specific ethnic groups with higher mutation rates.

BRCA testing can also help establish follow-up treatment plans for patients already diagnosed with breast cancer. #braca1andbraca2 #drlalpathlabskolkata #homesamplecollection #pathologybloodcollectioncentre #bloodtestnearkolkataairport #drlalpathlabsdumdum #bloodtesting #pathlabs