Question 1

hereditary breast cancer treatment success rate as high as other forms?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Matched stage-for-stage, the response rate to treatment is no different for the hereditary or non-hereditary forms of breast cancer.  The main difference is the risk of developing a second breast cancer or ovarian cancer:  this is why many women with brca+ breast cancer opt for "prophylactic" (preventive) bilateral mastectomy and oophorectomy (removal of ovaries).

Question 2

can you please define hereditary breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

BRCA POSITIVE: As many as 10-15% of breast cancers in the us are believed to be hereditary.  These are linked to mutations of a particular group of genes called the brca genes.  There is a simple blood test to check to see if someone has a brca mutation.  I advise my interested patients to see a genetic counselor to fully understand the ramifications of this test before having it done.

Question 3

what are the symptoms of hereditary breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Same as regular: Breast cancer.  Only about 3% of the breast cancers are due to inherited defects and these cancers have the same symptoms as regular/sporadic cancer, i.e., mass/lump in the breast.

Question 4

how do i get tested for  hereditary breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

History/blood test: The first step is to get a family history. If the history suggests a hereditary predisposition for breast cancer, blood testing to evaluate for brca1 and brca2 mutations could be done.

Question 5

what is the definition or description of: hereditary breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

Due to abnormal Gene: Some cancers are secondary to abnormal genetic predisposition. Most commonly called BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes. People who carry these abnormalities have higher risk of developing breast as well as ovarian cancer. There are other abnormal genes and also other conditions which may be related to abnormal genes.

Question 6

what is hereditary breast cancer risk?

Accepted Answer

Certain genetic: Risks, brca 1 & 2, are known, other are not, but familial clusters (mother, aunt sister) point to risk but the actual cause and function of the genetics are mysterious. We humans have a hard time with "risk".  Some with no risk delvelop a cancer; others with high risk do not. The statistical facts work epidemiologicallyfor populations, but are not informative for an individual.  They do cause worr.

Question 7

what is the treatment for hereditary breast cancer?

Accepted Answer

No different: The treatment for the primary diagnosed cancer is the same as for any other breast cancer.  Additional decisions/interventions are based on the presumed increased risk of a second or subsequent breast cancer (i.e. Mastectomy instead of breast conservation and prophylactic contralateral mastectomy).  Talk with your doctor to quantify your risk and discuss appropriate options.

Question 8

what is hereditary breast cancer called?

Accepted Answer

No specific name: About 3% of the breast cancers are due to inherited anomalies.  These are due to many different dna changes. The more commonly known  breast cancer genes are brca 1 and brca 2.

Question 9

my sister had breast cancer , it's almost 6 years passed, she can't take tamoxiphen because of side effects on her. what other medication she shoutake?

Accepted Answer

Raloxifene, others: Including aromatase inhibitors.  These drugs all have a place in cancer treatment; they should be considered by your sister's oncologist.

Question 10

are there different types of medications used for to treat breast cancer? what are the differences?

Accepted Answer

Yes.: Some breast cancers are dependent on estrogen, so hormone therapy is used to either prevents the formation or block the effects of estrogen.  Some have growth stimulated by a chemical call her2-neu, and there are drugs to block that.  Finally there are chemo drugs that can kill all types of breast cancers.

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Hereditary breast cancer medication

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Hereditary breast cancer treatment success rate as high as other forms?

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Can you please define hereditary breast cancer?

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What are the symptoms of hereditary breast cancer?

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How do i get tested for hereditary breast cancer?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: hereditary breast cancer?

A member asked:

What is hereditary breast cancer risk?

A member asked:

What is the treatment for hereditary breast cancer?

A member asked:

What is hereditary breast cancer called?

A member asked:

My sister had breast cancer , it's almost 6 years passed, she can't take tamoxiphen because of side effects on her. what other medication she shoutake?

A member asked:

Are there different types of medications used for to treat breast cancer? what are the differences?

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