Treatment of Breast Cancer at Cancer Treatment Centers of America

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Breast Cancer Genetics

Genetics plays a significant role in the development of breast cancer. Research shows that between 5 and 10 percent of all breast cancers are caused due to a mutation in inherited genes. According to a report published by the Institute of Medicine titled “A Review of the Department of Defense's Program for Breast Cancer Research,” three different types of genes are involved in breast cancer. These include oncogenes, modifier genes and tumor suppressor genes. Oncogenes lead to breast cancer malignancy if activated by enhancement or mutation. Tumor suppressor genes cause breast cancer if their tumor suppression function has been lost by deletion or mutation. Modifier genes are those that repair DNA and abnormalities in these can increase the risk of breast cancer.

Hereditary breast cancer is caused by a mutant gene or genes that are passed down from parents to their children. It can run in families with ovarian cancer in addition to breast cancer, multiple types of cancers and even no cancers.

The two genes that are most commonly associated with genetic breast cancer include BRCA1 (breast cancer gene one) and BRCA2 (breast cancer gene two). These genes, under normal circumstances, function to prevent the growth of cancerous cells and promote the health of breast cells. However, abnormalities and genetic mutations in these genes increase the rate of breast cancer risk. Women with breast cancer who have abnormal BRCA1, BRCA2 or both, typically inherit the condition from families that have a history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, they offer integrative, whole person care. Contact one of their representatives all day, every day by phone or online chat. Cancer Treatment Centers of America has Hospitals in Philadelphia Pennsylvania, Zion Illinois, Tulsa Oklahoma, and Goodyear Arizona. For more information on their integrative treatment options for Breast Cancer, call today.

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