Caring for patients with breast cancer from 35 hospitals and hospices across london and the home counties
Open 9am - 5pm
Answerphone at
other times
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Genetics
Most people have 46 chromosomes in each cell of their bodies. Chromosomes are the units of heredity, meaning that they are passed down from generation to generation. We inherit twenty-three chromosomes from each of our parents. On each chromosome there are thousands of genes that control the way the body is made, what it looks like and how it works. DNA is the building block of the gene and is made up of a specific alphabet containing the letters A, G, C and T. This alphabet is read in groups of three so that the body can read and perform a specific task that it is told to do by a particular gene. A change (or mutation) in one of the genes in our body can result in, or predispose to, certain genetic diseases (e.g. breast cancer).
Everyone receives a copy of every gene from their mother and one copy from their father, resulting in two copies of every gene. Therefore, if someone has an altered BRCA1 gene there is a 50% (or 1 in 2) chance of passing this on to the next generation. Those who do not receive an altered copy of the gene are not at an increased risk of developing breast (or ovarian) cancer. However, they do have a similar risk as the general population to develop this cancer. Those who receive an altered BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene will NOT definitely get cancer, however their risk is increased compared to the general population’s risk.
Genetic versus Sporadic Breast Cancer
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OTHER TESTIMONIALS
“When you came to see me nearly a year ago, I was very receptive to your offers of help. But I could have no idea how much Cancerkin would do for me over this difficult year.”
Gillian
