Women who carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation have an increased risk of breast cancer. Estimates of this increased risk vary greatly. Women who carry a BRCA1 gene mutation have a 50% to 70% chance of developing breast cancer by age 70. For BRCA2 carriers, estimates range from 40%to 60%. While in a group of 100 women with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, between 40 and 70 will develop breast cancer by age 70. Because these numbers represent average risk, the risk of breast cancer for any one woman with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation may fall outside this range.
Diagnosing breast cancer in young women can be more difficult because their breast tissue is often more dense than the breast tissue of older women. By the time a lump can be felt in a young woman, it is often large enough and advanced enough to lower her chances of survival. In addition, the cancer may be more aggressive and less responsive to hormone therapies. Delayed diagnosis in young women is a problem. Because it is rare for a young woman to get the disease, they are often told to wait and watch a lump.
Although breast cancer in men is rare, it does happen. In the United States, about one percent of all breast cancers occur in men.We still have much to learn about breast cancer in men because the diagnosis is so rare. Most of what we know about breast cancer is related to breast cancer in women. While there are some similarities between breast cancer in women and men, there appear to be some differences.
Tell your doctor if you notice any change in your breasts, and think about getting a second opinion if you are not satisfied with his or her advice. KNOW YOUR NORMAL!
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