Breast Cancer Predisposition Screening IntroductionIn 1994, researchers isolated a gene, BRCA1, that has had an unprecedented impact on the study of cancer genetics. BRCA1 is a breast cancer predisposition gene, meaning that women who possess certain mutations in this gene also have a significantly increased risk of developing familial breast cancer. Just a year later, a second breast cancer susceptibility gene, BRCA2, was discovered. Mutations in these two genes alone appear to be responsible for about 70% of breast cancer cases in families with an inheritance pattern that affects several generations. Because of the staggering statistics and potential to alter the lives of millions of women, BRCA1 and BRCA2 have continually been the focus of intense research in laboratories around the world. Research has led to the development of genetic screening techniques to detect possible cancer-causing mutations. Along with the evolution of screening techniques, however, has come public scrutiny. The ethics of genetic testing for breast cancer must be examined as a critical aspect of the issue. In this article I will discuss the following areas related to the topic of breast cancer predisposition screening: A review of some basic concepts of cancer genetics General information about BRCA1 and BRCA2 Technical aspects of screening, including the main characteristics of each method Ethical considerations , explain the points of view on both sides of the issuePublic policy regarding genetic screeningMy personal opinion regarding genetic testing for breast cancerConcepts of cancer geneticsThe human body contains two main classes of regulatory genes necessary for the normal control of cell growth ....... middle of paper ......registered member to access this site; press Cancel in the Username/Password box to register) http://www.medscape.com/ACCC/OncIssues/1997/v12.n02/oi1202.02.alexandre.htmlEng, C. and J. Vijg. 1997. Genetic testing: the problems and the promise. Nature Biotechnology 15:422-426.1997. Genetic testing: the controversial background check. People's Medical Society 16:1-4. Lancaster, J. M., M. E. Carney, and A. Futreal. BRCA 1 and 2: a genetic link to familial breast and ovarian cancer. Obtained from the WWW: (You must be a registered member to access this site; press Cancel in the Username/Password box to register) http://www.medscape.com/Medscape/womens.health/1997/v02.n02/w134 .lancaster /w134.lancaster.htmlSidransky, D. 1996. Advances in cancer detection. Scientific American 275:104-109.Stix, G. 1996. Is genetic testing premature? American scientist 275:107.