Genetic Predisposition Testing for Breast Cancer

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Breast cancer develops when certain cells become abnormal and grow out of control forming a tumour- the commonest form of breast cancer starts in the cells lining the ducts that carry milk to the nipple – whereas other forms of breast cancer start in the glands that produce the milk.

This test cannot be ordered as an individual test but only as a part of the list of diseases included in our Genetic Predisposition Test panel.

Mammalian Breast

The breast is one of the glands found in mammals which secrete milk. The milk secreted from the breasts is specifically for children and infants. Mammalian breasts differ in shape. Males as well as females have breasts but male breasts do not develop. Female breasts develop with age and the process of its development takes place during the puberty stage. The human female breast has a round shape and is a source of certain nutrients, antibodies and lots of other important substances which are essential for the growth of a baby.

What is breast cancer?

Can you imagine what it would be like when breasts are found to be deficient? Just like many other organs of the body, cancerous growths could so easily develop. Breast cancer is a malignancy or a tumour growth that rapidly spreads abnormally in the breast. It could occur in several forms and if care is not taken it can lead to severe devastation of the breast. Health professionals warn that women are more susceptible to the risk of breast cancer.

Basic fact and statistical records on breast cancer

It is important to look at the statistical records compiled on the subject of breast cancer. These data will help you to know the risk factor and the dangers associated with this tumour.

Statistics show that breast cancer is the most common type of cancer occurring among women in the United States of America.
Evidence shows that in every eight women in the United States of America, one is bound to have breast cancer. This also shows the rate of spread of the malignancy.

Although breast cancer commonly occurs in women, it can also occur, quite rarely, in men.

For more information, resources and support about this disease visit the website run by The Cancer Association of South Africa.

Types and classifications of breast cancer

Different classifications of breast cancer exist. The type of breast cancer depends on the mode of classification in view. These classifications include:

Histopathology – this has to do with the microscopic appearance of the tumor growth
Grade – this method of classification compares the appearance of the breast infected by tumour growth with a normal breast
Stage – this classification is based on the size and stage of the tumour growth. It also analyzes where the tumour cell has spread to and whether it has metastasized.
Receptor status – breast cancer also has receptors in their surface. These receptors are simply chemical messengers that cause changes in the cell

Symptoms of breast cancer

Breast cancer has symptoms and a few of these include:

Appearance of a lump that feels different from other parts of the breast
Thickening of breast tissues
Increase in size of one breast beyond to the other
Change of shape or inverting of the nipples
Constant pain in a given part of breast or armpit

EasyDNA offers health testing for 25 different diseases. We also test for a number of genetically linked cancers.