Breast cancer is one of the biggest challenges hitting Black women today and nothing to play with. This is why understanding the variables and factors at play is so crucial. Although you may be aware of common risk factors – such as smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise – did you know your genes also play a massive role?
This is where two genetic mutations, especially those with the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, become vital to understand.
If you haven’t heard of these genetic variations, don’t sweat it.
Let’s cover everything you need to know as a Black woman who may or may not be at increased risk of developing breast cancer.
The Lowdown on Breast Cancer & Genetics
The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are important for a reason. They actually play a major role in repairing your DNA, and when mutated, may lose that critical ability. Or at the very least, have it weakened.
Turns out that Black women with BRCA1 mutations have a 70 percent higher risk of developing the cancer, while Black women with BRCA2 mutations have about a 69 percent higher lifetime risk
Fortunately, there’s a lot you can do in terms of screening.
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Getting Screened & Tested
Early detection, like with many diseases, is super important for breast cancer. The good news is, that you can undergo genetic testing for both BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, catching any vulnerabilities early and quickly. If ladies in your family have had breast or ovarian cancer, you should definitely look into getting screened.
Doctors will look into your family history and your personal history before conducting an easy blood test to determine genetic variations.
Another thing healthcare professionals can use is called Polygenic Risk Scores (PRS).
Basically, your PRS will tell you your predisposition for breast cancer, as well as other diseases. It works by detecting certain genetic variants associated with different risks of breast cancer. These variants are what’s called single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). With each SNP, you will receive information about the impact it may have on an increased or decreased disease risk.
Your Polygenic Risk Score for breast cancer will also measure the frequency or number of SNPs. In other words, how many of those genetic variations do you have? What’s their impact on your risk?
As a Black woman, your PRS will also factor in your race. This is because it is calculated based on lots of data from other women of African ancestry. This makes the test more accurate, and can help determine your precise risk threshold.
In most cases, you will be categorized as either low, intermediate, or high risk for developing breast cancer.
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But Wait, How Can I Change My Genes?
In short, you can’t. But here’s what you can do. According to the branch of science known as epigenetics, you can actually influence how your genes express themselves. In other words, you can either activate or silence certain genes by the lifestyle choices you make.
This includes everything from how you behave, how you think, and how you interact with your environment.
If your PRS puts you at the high-risk threshold, it’s especially important to watch how you live. As always, limit alcohol and tobacco use. Try to engage in moderate physical activity most days of the week, and consider supplementing with B12 and folate. Be sure to eat plenty of leafy green veggies, limit processed and red meat, and eat legumes and fruits rich in fiber.
Fiber can help stabilize your estrogen levels, which may play a crucial factor in breast cancer development.
Aside from that, make sure to get regularly screened. If you have someone in your family diagnosed, when were they diagnosed? A rule of thumb is to get your first screening 10 years before the diagnosis age of your relative. So if your sister or cousin was diagnosed at 42, get screened at 32.
If you have a genetic mutation that increases your risk, the common recommendation is to start as early as 25 just to be safe. Speak with your doc, because your breast density, hormone levels, and lifestyle all factor into when and how frequently you should get screened.
If you’re at extreme risk, removing breast tissue ahead of time may be an option as well. Now obviously, a preventative mastectomy is a big deal, so you should always consult closely with your doctor first.
You can also elect to take certain meds, such as selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) which may reduce your risk. No matter what path you choose, know that many life-changing resources can help you.
You’re not alone on this journey. With a good healthcare team and support system behind you, you can manage your challenges and lead the life you deserve!
