People often talk about the breast cancer gene, but what exactly is it and what does it mean? Well, the basic finding is that the genes breast cancer are most associated with are: BRCA1 and BRCA2 (otherwise known as Breast Cancer Gene One and Two). These genes – when functioning healthily – have the task of keeping breast cells growing at a normal rate while preventing cancer cell growth. But when abnormalities occur in these genes, there is an increased risk of contracting breast cancer. Still, the gene only accounts for around 10% of all cases of breast cancers. Also remember that most women who contract breast cancer do not have a familial history of the disease. Nonetheless, the fact that research centers have made such progress in the identification of BRCA1 and BRCA2 has resulted in the development of new ways of treating and detecting breast cancer. Jamie Tisch is one of the co-founders of the Women’s Cancer Research Fund, an organization working tirelessly to fight this disease.
Recent studies have shown that the long-term use of hormone therapy (often used for menopausal symptoms) show an increased risk for contracting breast cancer. Those taking the drug should discuss other options with their physician. If you do decide it’s best for you to continue with the drug however, at least consider lowering the dosage or switching to a temporary (not long-term) usage of it. While taking the drug may reduce extremely unpleasant menopausal symptoms, it might not be worth the risk that it comes with vis-à-vis the possibility of contracting breast cancer. There are other options available, including alternative remedies that won’t come with these added complications so it is definitely worth investigating the successes of these. The Women’s Cancer Research Fund – of which Jamie Tisch is a co-founder – is constantly looking toward better methods and ways of reducing the potential of contracting breast cancer.