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Alternative Cancer Treatment, Gene and Breast Cancer

Author: www.thealternativecancertreatment.com Total views: 6 Word Count: 530

Official figures have shown that between 5-10% of breast cancer is caused by the genetic makeup of an individual. Even though the percentage seems relatively low, the actual numbers are high enough to prompt many men and women to seek regular checkups. Yes, even men can contract breast cancer. This only occurs about .7% as often as women but it does happen and kills about 12,000 men each year.

Being female alone increases an individual's odds of contracting breast cancer relative to men by 133:1. A leading theory indicates that the most obvious and likely cause is the much greater estrogen and progesterone levels in females. These hormones aid in cell grown and seem to be involved when cell growth is uncontrollable, as in a disease such as breast cancer.

One genetic factor that may not seem genetic at first blush is the increased risk that comes with aging. Growing older, at what rate and in what way, is heavily influenced by genetics. Genetics determines the kind of physiology we have and that in turn plays a prominent role in aging, as researchers in the field are finding out.

About 17% of invasive breast cancers occur in women in their 40s. But, a whopping 78% of those who contract the disease are in their 50s or older. That shouldn't be surprising by now. It's commonplace to observe that cancers are more likely the older one gets. Take care not to turn the statement around, though. It's not correct to say that 78% of women 50 or older get breast cancer. In fact, the number is about 1 in 12 or only 8%.

One huge genetic risk factor doesn't come from normal genes, rather comes from genetic mutations. The most common gene mutations are labeled BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes usually assist in manufacturing proteins that assist in the prevention of abnormally growing cells. Mutations or change in them that alter that ability cause an increase in the odds of breast cancer development. According to some studies, having these particular gene mutations raises an individual's odds of developing breast cancer to 80%.

Mutations such as these are not always inherited, and are not produced by environmental, diet or other controllable factors. Women whose mothers have had breast cancer are placed at a higher risk for developing the condition themselves. Women do not inherit genes from siblings, but having a sibling that has contracted breast cancer does indicate an increased risk for an individual.

Another gene mutation that may play a role is the ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia mutation), involving a gene which plays a role in repairing DNA strands. Breast cancer risk is doubled when yet another, the CHEK-2 gene, mutates. Mutations in a gene called the p53 increase the odds, since it works to suppress tumor growth. Fortunately, these are all fairly low likelihood occurrences.

Until there are advancements in gene therapy, there isn't anything women or men can do to alter the genes which they were given. But knowing the risk factors can provide information needed to come up with a diagnosis. Knowing that you have a family history containing an individual with Cowden Syndrome, for example, provides you with more reason to seek frequent and early checkups.

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About the Author

Can there really be a natural way to fight cancer cell ? Yes, fucoidan, was proven scientifically to do just that. The extract from brown seaweed. Visit my site at Alternative Cancer Treatment see how this wonderful food is backed by more then 600 indepandent research.

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