How Do You Know If You Should Get Tested For BRCA1 Or BRCA2 Genes?

Breast cancer information has never been more widespread, but knowing how to separate fact from fiction isn't easy. So we were thrilled to have Dr. Elisa Port on the show with us. Dr. Port is director of the Dubin Breast Center, and, as a surgeon, performs more than 300 operations a year. She just released The New Generation Breast Cancer Book, a guide to recovery for the newly diagnosed woman.


What are the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes?
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that help fight tumors and repair damaged DNA, making cells stable and secure. When either of these genes is mutated, or altered, DNA damage may not be repaired properly. As a result, cells are more likely to develop additional genetic alterations that can lead to cancer, especially ovarian and breast cancer.

Who is at risk?
While everyone has BRCA genes, the mutated forms are much rarer. Fewer than 1% of all women ("1 in 400," says Dr. Port) have the mutation, but it can be more common in certain ethnicities. The people at highest risk are Ashkenazi Jewish women, from Eastern Europe. In these women, the appearance of the mutated gene is as high as 1 in every 40.

Other Red Flags

Other women at risk may have

• A strong family history of breast cancer


• Any family history of male breast cancer


• Combined family history of any cancer

See the rest of the interview with Dr. Elisa Port!

Then read Dr. Port's contributions to a discussion on BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in the New York Times here.


And be sure to check out Dr. Port's New Generation Breast Cancer Book, available in bookstores everywhere.



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