Breast cancer is a type of cancer in which malignant cancer cells multiply uncontrollably to form a tumor in the breast. It is the second most common form of cancer diagnosed in women in the country. According to doctors, about five to ten percent of breast cancers are linked to genetic alterations passed from parent to child.

1. Link between genetics and breast cancer
A majority of the inherited cases of breast cancer is associated with mutations in two particular genes: BRCA1 and BRCA2. Every person has copies of these two genes, whose primary function is to repair cell damage and ensure the normal growth of all breast and ovarian cells. However, sometimes, these genes contain mutations that are passed down generations. In this case, the genes don’t function normally and carry a heavy risk of breast or ovarian cancer. But BRCA1 and BRCA2 only account for 10 percent of the total breast cancer cases.

While understanding the relationship between genetics and breast cancer, it is important to note that having a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation doesn’t mean one will surely be diagnosed with breast cancer. Researchers have noted that other mutations in specific chromosomal tags, which are known as single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), are typically linked to higher breast cancer risk.

Sometimes, mutations in other genes can also lead to breast cancers. Although these mutations are much less common, they can increase the risk of cancer as much as the BRCA genes. These genes include ATM, TP53, CHEK2, CDH1, PTEN, STK11, and PALB2.

2. Risk in terms of genetics
One is much more likely to have a genetic mutation associated with breast cancer if:

• They have blood relatives, such as mother, sister, or grandmother, on either side of the family, who have been diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 50.
• Ovarian or breast cancer has affected multiple relatives in the same side of the family.
• One have a relative with triple-negative breast cancer.
• A relative in one’s family has been diagnosed with cancer in both breasts.
• There are people in one’s family who suffer from other forms of cancer, such as melanoma, sarcoma, pancreatic cancer, and colon cancer.
• There is a known risk of an abnormal breast cancer gene in one’s family.

However, if any one family member has a breast-cancer-linked genetic mutation, it does not mean that all family members will inherit it.

Understanding the relationship between genetics and breast cancer is important, as it helps increase awareness and mitigate potential risks.