A Brief Note On Breast Cancer Research Paper - 863 Words

Gabriela Rolon November 3, 2014 Biology 101 Section-13 Melissa Romero Breast Cancer Research Paper Proto-oncogenes can become mutated and become known as oncogenes, which are also known as cancer cells. The main purpose for proto-oncogenes is to divide the cell, prevent cell differentiation, and to stop cell death. When they are mutated they are called oncogenes, which increase cell division, cell differentiation is decreased instead of preventing it, and prevent cell death. The tumor suppressor genes are very important because they are supposed to stop cell growth and division that is not supposed to be happening. They also increase cell death for proper cell balance. They are referred to as the breaks to stop cells that are on their way†¦show more content†¦The BRCA1 and BRCA2 are both tumor suppressor genes. When these genes are mutated they can no longer repair DNA, which is their purpose and why they are so important. There are certain mutations in these genes that are inherited that not only increase the risk of breast cancer, but ovarian cancer as well. According t o the National Cancer Institute in the article, â€Å"BRCA1 and BRCA2: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing,† BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are responsible for about twenty to twenty-five percent of hereditary breast cancer and five to ten percent of all breast cancers. Most forms of breast cancers are not inherited. In fact, according to breastcancer.org only five to ten percent of breast cancer cases were hereditary. There are actually many factors that could contribute in increasing ones risk of getting breast cancer. One of the biggest factors in getting breast cancer is being a woman. Less than one percent of breast cancer cases will be in males. Most male breast are fat and not formed glands, which highly reduces the risk of a male getting breast cancer. Another factor would be being overweight. Fat cells make estrogen and if there is an excessive amount of fat, then the body will make more estrogen which can make certain types of breast cancers to develop and grow. The benefits gained from BRCA genetic testing is definitely worth getting once. Getting tested to see the risk factor of having BRCA can put someone’s mind