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I've recently learned that breast cancer is a rare beast among cancers since the relationship between behaviors and risk is not as clear as with other cancers. (for example, lung cancer and smoking). "There is only about one in five breast cancer cases for which there is a clear reason to understand why this woman has developed cancer," said André Ilbawi, a physician, a cancer specialist in the United States. the World Health Organization, in a conversation unrelated to this issue. piece. It's a little disconcerting given that 12.4% of women will be diagnosed with breast cancer during their lifetime, according to Otis W. Brawley, MD, chief physician of the American Cancer Society. In other words, breast cancer is common and there is not always a clear path to determine your risk.
In an effort to help women as much as possible, health professionals from the US Prevention Services Task Force announced on Wednesday the extension of the organization's recommendations for screening for the risk factor for breast cancer. breast who is quite predictable: have a BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene mutation.
A quick introduction: BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 are genes that create proteins to suppress tumor activity; with certain mutations, a person has a significantly increased risk of breast or ovarian cancer. People can get genetic testing to see if they have a BRCA mutation, which can help them determine whether or not they wish to undergo preventive mastectomy or other treatments to reduce their hereditary risk. According to the National Cancer Institute, very few people have this genetic mutation – it's estimated that about one in every 400 – 800 – but their risk of contracting breast cancer is up to 72%, according to one study conducted in 2017.
Previously, health professionals recommended that women with a family history of certain cancers (such as breast and ovarian) make an assessment of the risk of screening for mutations in the BRCA gene. Now the new guidelines take into account some additional factors. Any woman with ancestry associated with mutations in the BCRA gene, or having a family or staff A history of breast, ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal cancers should be evaluated for risk based on a "brief risk assessment tool," according to the task force. If the assessment is positive, it is advisable for women to undergo a genetic test for the mutation of the gene. If these results prove positive, then they should benefit from genetic counseling. On the other hand, women whose personal or family history is not associated with any of the above risk factors are do not It is recommended that a regular risk assessment be conducted for the detection of mutations of the BRCA gene.
"Women often overestimate and underestimate genetic risks [of breast cancer]. -Mary Jane Minikin, MD
IMO, the more there are screenings, the better. I have recently been screened for colon cancer after a diagnosis of metastatic colon cancer was diagnosed in a healthy friend of my age. We could have healed him if we caught him early. in place. According to the working group's statement, confidence in the validity of this type of genetic testing has only increased since the last set of recommendations in 2013, hence the new guidelines.
In addition, the Affordable Care Act requires insurance companies to cover BRCA screening and preventive testing of individuals meeting the criteria of the recommendations of the US Preventive Services Task Force. . With the organization's expanded recommendations, more people who may need these screenings will be able to get them without necessarily paying the entire bill.
Not sure if your family history is potentially problematic? Gynecologist Mary Jane Minkin, doctor, says it's normal. "Women often overestimate and underestimate genetic risks," she says. "Some women will come and tell me that they have a strong family history of breast cancer – and that it is a first cousin. But a second cousin, and no other family history, would not push us to recommend genetic testing.
If it's not a worrying connection, what is it? "The red flags on which we need to think especially are: first-degree relatives – mother, sister, daughter – with breast cancer – and I should also add ovarian cancer – … a member of the family suffering from breast cancer and the Ashkenazi Jewish heritage, "she explains. . (The mutation is more common among people of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, with an estimated rate of one in 40.) Other cancers, including pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer and melanoma, are also associated with the BRCA gene, so if a close family If the MP suffers from one of these cancers, it is worth it to talk to your doctor. "And if a woman has had breast or ovarian cancer herself, she should discuss genetic testing with her oncologist, if that has not already been done," adds Dr. Minkin.
Minkin also slides into some sort of PSA, which is a good way to reduce your risk of breast cancer – despite genetics – to limit alcohol consumption. "Most women have no idea that drinking two glasses of wine a day increases the risk of breast cancer," she says. Fortunately, "drink soberly" is finally a thing …
Another good news is that living in new green spaces reduces your risk of breast cancer. Daily consumption of a number of fruits and vegetables can also help. here, the magic number.
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