Question

You have a friend who just found out that she has a mutated BRCA gene. She is considering a preventative double mastectomy.

–In your own words, explain to her what proto-oncogenes and oncogenes are, including the role of BRCA in cancer development.

–Do you think she should proceed with the surgery? Why or why not?

Check out the website “Testing Positive for BRCA” to give you additional information on this topic.

- not sure what else to tell you. This is exactly what my professor said and all I know. Can someone else answer the question?

Answer 1

BRCA genes are breast cancer genes. As the name suggests they doesn't cause breast cancer but  if this gene gets mutated there is a chance of developing breast cancer. There are two types of BRCA1 and BRCA 2. They helps in repair DNA damage and break that could lead to tumor and can prevent breast cancer.

Proto-oncogenes are normal genes which help cell growth and apoptosis that control cell proliferation and prevent cancers. Oncogene is any gene that causes cancer. Here BRCA is proto oncogene and if any mutation happens to this it becomes oncogene. So we could say oncogene are mutated proto oncogene.

There isn't need of mastectomy in a case of mutation in the BRCA gene until a positive cancer is found. Not all mutation lead to cancer but there is risk of cancer. Some cancers can be cured with medicine but if the condition is at higher risk the person can go with this surgery.