BRCA1, BRCA2, Prophylactic Mastectomy and Breast Reconstruction

The BRCA genes function to keep breast cells growing normally and to prevent cancer-cell growth. Scientists have identified mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene that can make someone susceptible to developing breast and/or ovarian cancer at some point in their life. When these genes contain the mutations, they do not function normally, and cancer risk increases. Mutations in these genes can be passed from either parent to their children.

*The lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is as high as 84% for women who have inherited a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.
*The lifetime risk of developing ovarian cancer is as high as 60% for women who carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation.

A blood test, called BRCAnalysis, can determine if someone carries a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation and empower him or her to make informed choices about risk reduction surgery such as bilateral prophylactic mastectomy (BPM).

Women who have a strong family history of breast cancer but who test "negative" for BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations should keep in mind that a significant proportion of all hereditary breast cancer may be caused by mutations in genes other than BRCA1 and BRCA2. In other words, if you are "BRCA negative" but have strong family history of breast cancer, you may have inherited a different gene (for which a test to identify it does not exist) that puts you at higher than average risk for developing breast cancer.

Significant progress has been made in the field of breast reconstruction surgery over the past several years. Advancements in the field mean that women who undergo mastectomy can usually undergo immediate breast reconstruction procedures that can restore natural appearing reconstructed breasts. The most sophisticated of these techniques can reconstruct breasts that feel natural, and in some cases, these techniques can be used to restore sensation to a reconstructed breast.