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It’s hard for me to tell parts of my story without getting a bit technical, but I hope to explain it in such a way that breaks down difficult topics so it’s easier to wrap your head around. The goal is to not make your eyes gloss over.

So, first let’s start with the basics…

What is a Gene?

https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/what-is-brca

Each person’s DNA contains the code used to build the human body and keep it functioning. Genes are the small sections of DNA that code for individual traits. All inherited traits are passed down through genes. Each person has two copies of every gene: one gene from each parent. Since each parent passes down exactly half of their genes to each child, any of the parent’s genetic traits has a 50% chance of being passed on to their offspring.

What is a Genetic Mutation?

Your body is made of a certain genetic code that helps tell how things should be developed and how cells should grow, divide and die. A normal genetic code is a sequence of 3 letters that contain instructions. When that code is affected it is known as a mutation.

So let me put this in a way that is easier to understand. A normal genetic code put into a sentence might read, “THE FAT CAT SAW THE RED DOG RUN OUT”. A genetic mutation would mess up the letter sequence. If you take the “AT” out of “FAT”, the mutated code would read, “THE FCA TSA WTH ERE DDO GRU NOU T”. This statement no longer makes sense, and it would be the same for the body if it was trying to read mutated genetic code.

What is BRCA?

The name “BRCA” is an abbreviation for “BReast CAncer gene.” BRCA1 and BRCA2 are two different genes that have been found to impact a person’s chances of developing breast cancer.

Every human has both the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Despite what their names might suggest, BRCA genes do not cause breast cancer. In fact, these genes normally play a big role in preventing breast cancer. They help repair DNA breaks that can lead to cancer and the uncontrolled growth of tumors. Because of this, the BRCA genes are known as tumor suppressor genes.

However, in some people these tumor suppression genes do not work properly. When a gene becomes altered or broken, it doesn’t function correctly. This is called a gene mutation.

Source: Florida Hospital Cancer Institute, Susan G. Komen, Breast Cancer Site

How is it passed?

Everyone has BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Yep, you read that right. Some people have an inherited mutation in one or both of these genes that increases the risk of breast cancer. BRCA1 & 2 mutations can be passed to you from either parent and can affect the risk of cancers in both women and men. This is important to note because breast cancer is so prominent in women, men do not often consider their own family history when it comes to cancer.

How Can I Tell if I have it?

You will need a genetic test to determine if you have the gene. This can be done through a blood test or a simple saliva test.