Hereditary predisposition to a specific cancer is linked to the specific molecular events within the genes. A strong family history in some cancers indicates the existence of hereditary cancer syndromes such as familial retinoblastoma, familial adenomatous polyposis, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome and hereditary breast & ovarian cancer syndromes. Genetic mutations are commonly associated with breast and ovarian cancers. Studies have shown that more than 40 percent of breast cancers occurring below the age of 30 years are due to inheritance of the abnormal gene known as BRCA-1, which is located on chromosome 17. This gene was first identified in 1990. The BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 genes are found in the members of those families, who have a tendency to develop breast and ovarian cancers at an early age. Studies have revealed that inheritance of the BRCA-1 gene confers a lifelong risk of breast cancer (85 percent) and ovarian cancer (50 percent). It has been observed that the members of those families, who are predisposed to a particular cancer, have one or more mutated oncogenes in their inherited genome. Therefore fewer additional mutations are required in these persons for the cancer to develop.
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