Help and Information for Family Members of Breast Cancer Patients
Female Family Members with a History of Breast Cancer:
Most women with breast cancer do not have a family history of the disease. In fact, only about 13% of women diagnosed have a first-degree female relative (mother, sister or daughter) with breast cancer. A woman who has one first-degree female relative with breast cancer has almost twice the risk of a woman without a family history (Komen, 2016). The breast cancer risk linked to family history may be due to inherited gene mutations or shared lifestyle factors that increase risk.
BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 Genes:
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are human genes that produce tumor suppressor proteins. These proteins help repair damaged DNA and play a role in ensuring the stability of the cell’s genetic material. Specific inherited mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 increase the risk of female breast and ovarian cancers. Together, BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations account for about 20 to 25 percent of hereditary breast cancers and about 5 to 10 percent of all breast cancers (BRCA Risk, 2016).
(BRCA, 2015)Family Support: Loved Ones Who are Diagnosed
It can be scary to learn that a relative or a loved one has breast cancer. You may be wondering what you can do to help or to make things easier on them.
- Be an advocate for them, knowledge is power.
- Ask friends and family members to pitch in with meals, cleaning the house, rides to appointments, etc.
- Be prepared for changes in mood and behavior. Your loved one is going through a lot (Tips, 2016)!
Links:
There are many helpful websites for family support and information.
WebMD has tips for comforting and making life easier for friends and family members who are diagnosed with breast cancer.
The National Cancer Institute has a guide and fact sheet about the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations.
References:
BRCA1 & BRCA2: Cancer Risk & Genetic Testing. (2015). Retrieved November 23, 2016, from https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/genetics/brca-fact-sheet
How Family History relates to Breast Cancer Risk. (2016). Retrieved November 23, 2016, from http://ww5.komen.org/BreastCancer/FamilyHistoryofBreastOvarianorProstateCancer.html
Tips for Helping a Loved One Who Has Breast Cancer. (n.d.). Retrieved November 23, 2016, from http://www.webmd.com/breast-cancer/guide/breast-cancer-tips-family
What Are the BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes? (2015). Retrieved November 23, 2016, from https://www.preventovariancancer.ca/what-are-the-brca1-brca2-genes
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