Question

A 26-year-old woman in the clinic today for her annual physical examination. As you take her medical history, it becomes apparent that she is quite concerned about her risk for developing breast cancer. Her mother and a maternal aunt both developed breast cancer in their late 40s. She has heard that genetic testing can be done to see whether she carries "breast cancer genes."

***Assuming J.F. is talking about the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, what is the role that these genes have in the genetic mechanisms of breast cancer? (select all that apply)

a. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are tumor suppressor genes.
b. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are tumor promoter genes.
c. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are oncogenes.
d. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are proto-oncogenes.

Answer 1

Answer: the correct option is A (BRCA1 and BRCA2 are tumor suppressor genes).

Step-by-step explanation:

BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes( breast cancer genes) are both tumor suppressor genes in every human expressed in breast cells and other tissue cells and it helps in

- repairing damaged DNA,

- regulate cellular growth and

- suppress the development of tumors . BRCA1 is located in chromosome 17 while BRCA2 is located in chromosome 13.

These genes in relation to genetic mechanisms of breast cancer, can be tested to know the possibility of the patient being susceptible to breast cancer in future or not. Mutation in either BRCA1 or BRCA2 or even in both genes makes the woman have a higher risk of developing breast,