What does a positive BRCA2 mean?
A positive test result indicates that a person has inherited a known harmful variant in BRCA1 or BRCA2 (these are typically called “pathogenic” or “likely pathogenic” variants on laboratory test reports) and has an increased risk of developing certain cancers.
Is it better to have HER2-positive breast cancer?
Breast cancer identified as HER2-positive tends to grow faster, spread (metastatic breast cancer) and come back (recur). While HER2-positive cancer may be aggressive, it also responds better to breast cancer treatment that targets HER2 protein.
Is HER2-positive breast cancer aggressive?
This protein promotes the growth of cancer cells. In about 1 of every 5 breast cancers, the cancer cells have extra copies of the gene that makes the HER2 protein. HER2 -positive breast cancers tend to be more aggressive than other types of breast cancer.
Can I survive HER2-positive breast cancer?
But new treatments like chemotherapy plus trastuzumab have boosted early-stage HER2 positive breast cancer survival rates: 7-year disease-free: Around 93% 10-year disease-free: About 70%-75% Overall: 80%-85%
Where does HER2-positive breast cancer come back?
Lymph nodes near the breast tend to be the next place cancer cells go. From there, cancer cells can travel to other parts of the body farther from the breast. About one in every five breast cancers are HER2-positive. This means they have extra copies of a gene that makes the HER2 protein.
Can you survive HER2-positive breast cancer?
Does HER2-positive run in families?
HER2-positive breast cancer is not hereditary, but some other types of gene mutations related to breast cancer are inherited. Genetic testing can tell you if you have any of the mutations currently known to increase risk for breast cancer or other cancers.
What are my options if I have the BRCA gene?
If you are a man with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, your doctor may recommend the following: Breast self-exam training and education starting at age 35. Yearly clinical breast exams starting at age 35. Prostate cancer screening starting at age 45, especially for men with a BRCA2 mutation.
What is the risk of breast cancer with a BRCA mutation?
Breast cancer: Breast cancer due to a BRCA mutation accounts for 20% to 25% of hereditary breast cancers. Women who have a BRCA2 mutation have a 45% chance of developing breast cancer by the age of 70 (slightly lower than with a BRCA1 mutation). Men with a BRCA1 mutation also have a 1% risk of breast cancer, and a 6% risk with a BRCA2 mutation.
What is a double mastectomy for BRCA1 breast cancer?
Breast cancer patients with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations are also more likely to later develop a second cancer, either in the same or the opposite breast. Because of this, they may opt for a double mastectomy instead of a single or partial mastectomy (also known as lumpectomy).
What is BRCA1/BRCA2 and how does it affect you?
A harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation can be inherited from a person’s mother or father. Each child of a parent who carries a mutation in one of these genes has a 50% chance (or 1 chance in 2) of inheriting the mutation. The effects of mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are seen even when a person’s second copy of the gene is normal.
Should the general public be tested for the BRCA2 variant?
However, testing is not currently recommended for the general public. Instead, expert groups recommend that testing be focused on those who have a higher likelihood of carrying a harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 variant, such as those who have a family history of certain cancers.