Family History and Breast Cancer-Is associated with an abnormal gene?

It has been observed that women whose close relations have lived with breast cancer in the past have strong chances of inheriting the disease. 

If a woman’s sister, mother or even her daughter has been diagnosed with this cancer, her own possibility of developing the disease is also strong — it is almost double than average. And where two close relatives have had breast cancer, the possibility is 5 times more than average.

In certain cases, a sharp past record of breast cancer or tumor in the family is associated with an abnormal gene and this is eventually linked to higher risk of breast cancer. BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene is typically responsible for development of breast cancer among close relations. In some other cases, it may be triggered by CHEK2 gene.

Women with a record of breast cancer in their families can avoid the development of cancer by making a few lifestyle changes and these include:

• Maintaining a balanced diet to avoid obesity
• Regular Exercising
• Restricting the intake of Alcohol
• Not Smoking

Family history of breast cancer can make a woman more prone to the disease but every individual’s condition is unique and no single procedure or medication commonly works for all.