Breast Cancer: BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations

Genetics and the Predisposition to Breast Cancer:
BRCA1 & BRCA2
I. A. The genetics of Cancer
a. Some Interesting Facts
i. Cancer is one of the most common and severe diseases on earth
ii. It is responsible for 20% of all deaths
iii. One-third of the world’s population will develop some form of cancer
iv. Cancer is responsible for more than 10% of the total cost of all medical care in developed countries
b. Cancer is a virulent form of neoplasia, or uncontrolled cellular proliferation leading to a malignant mass or tumor capable of metastasizing.
c. Three main forms of cancer: Lymphoid/hematopoietic, sarcoma, carcinoma.
B. Molecular basis of cancer
a. Mutations in the genes responsible for controlling cell proliferation and apoptosis cause cancer.
b. Damage to the DNA of a somatic cell rarely has an effect beyond that cell unless the mutation contributes to a malignant transformation (cancer).
c. Cancer results from a se...