Breast Cancer

Inheritance	multi-factorial- two genes have recently been identified inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion that increase susceptibility to breast cancer. These genes are known as BRCA1 and BRCA2. They are responsible for a very small proportion of all cases, particularly those which affect women at a younger age.
Occurrence	1 in 9 women-- breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women; Approximately 180,000 cases of breast cancer were diagnosed in the U.S. in 1998
Testing	there are tests available which will identify the BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene defects; Having these genes significantly raises the risk of developing breast cancer
Treatment	IF DETECTED EARLY and treated through surgery, radiation and chemotherapy, five year survival rates are 97%

The Cell Cycle

With any discussion of cancer, it is appropriate to introduce the cell cycle. Cancer is simply an accumulation of cells that have mutated and which divide at an uncontrolled rapid pace. These aggressive cells can take over an area of the body and then move to other areas of the body. Many forms of cancer are treated successfully if detected before the cancer spreads (or metastasizes). Discuss mitosis and how it is regulated. The complete cell cycle is G1, S, G2, and M. The cell cycle could be incorporated into class discussions on DNA replication, mitosis, and the parts of the cell.

Early Detection

This activity is appropriate not only in a biology class but also in health classes to introduce breast self examination. Breast cancer is a common form of cancer found predominately in women that is very successfully treated when detected early.

Invite your high school health teacher or a community health specialist to come to class and talk about breast cancer. They should discuss such things as risk factors, family history, and early detection. Individuals with a family history of breast cancer are more likely to develop breast cancer; however the vast majority of breast cancer cases are in individuals with no family history. It is for this reason that self examination is so crucial for early detection. Students will enjoy having a guest lecture, especially on a topic that is so common.