Introduction
Breast cancer is one of the most common malignant neoplasms in the world for women, with complex causes, in which genetic factors occupy an important place. Understanding the effects of the genetic factors of breast cancer on children of future generations is crucial for the early screening, prevention and intervention of high-risk groups.
Basic knowledge of breast cancer genetics
About 5-10% of breast cancer cases are closely related to genetic mutation. The two most important genes are BRCA1 and BRCA2. The risk of breast and ovarian cancer increases significantly when the two genes undergo mutation. In addition, there are other relatively rare genes, such as TP53, PTEN and CDH1, whose mutation is also associated with the genetic susceptibility of breast cancer. These genes are normally involved in vital physiological processes such as cell growth, repair and regulation, and once mutations occur, cells may lose normal regulatory mechanisms, thus increasing the likelihood of cancer.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 Effects of mutations on children
Risks for female descendants
The risk of breast cancer among daughters will increase significantly if the mother carries a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. The cumulative risk of developing breast cancer by 70 years of age can be 57% – 65% for BRCA1 genetic mutations; the corresponding risk for BRCA2 genetic mutations is about 41% – 49%. Moreover, these women tend to have breast cancer at an earlier age than the general population, with peaks in the 40-50 age range, while the general population has peaks in the 60 age range. In addition, women carrying these mutation genes are at higher risk of breast cancer on both sides, which means that cancer on one side increases the likelihood of cancer on the other.
Risk to male descendants
Although the overall incidence of breast cancer is low among males, the risk of breast cancer among male descendants with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation is still higher than among males. The risk of breast cancer is estimated at 1 – 2 per cent for males with a genetic mutation of BRCA1 and can increase to 6 – 7 per cent for males with a genetic mutation of BRCA2. At the same time, the risk of other related cancers, such as prostate cancer, is likely to increase for these men.
Impact of other related genetic mutations on children
TP53 Genetic mutation
TP53 Genetics are referred to as “Genomic Guards”, and when they mutate, they cause the Li-Fraumeni syndrome. This syndrome increases the risk of multiple cancers among children, including breast cancer, carcasses and brain tumors. Breast cancer is also at an early age among these patients and tends to progress faster.
PTEN Genetic mutation
The PTEN gene mutations can lead to the Cowden syndrome, which significantly increases the risk of breast cancer among patients ‘ children and may be accompanied by an increased risk of tumours in other organs, such as thyroid and uterine membrane cancer.
CDH1 Genetic mutations
The CDH1 gene mutation is associated with the genetic complication of permeable stomach cancer, which also increases the risk of breast cancer among women, which is mostly small-leaf-type breast cancer and requires special attention by the children of the patients.
Importance of genetic counselling and testing
Genetic counselling and testing are particularly critical given the significant impact of genetic factors on children of future generations. For groups with a family history of breast cancer, especially families with many young breast cancers, double-sided breast cancers or both, genetic counselling helps them to understand their own genetic risks and to assess the need for genetic testing. Genetic tests allow for an accurate determination of whether an individual is carrying a pathogen mutation, and if the results are positive, appropriate precautions can be taken.
Prevention and early intervention
Strengthening monitoring
The monitoring of breast milk and other related organs should be strengthened for children with a genetic mutation of breast cancer, both men and women. At an earlier age, women can start breast self-examination, regular breast ultrasound, mammograms, and even MRI. Men also need to take care of breast changes and undergo regular medical examinations. Monitoring of brain tumours, etc., by individuals with other associated cancer risks, such as those carrying TP53 gene mutations, is also done on medical advice.
Preventive surgery
For some high-risk individuals, the risk of cancer can be reduced to a certain extent by prophylactic mastectomy and prophylactic ovaries. For example, in the case of BRCA1/2 women who undergo genetic mutation, the risk of breast cancer can be reduced by more than 90 per cent by preventive mastectomy; the risk of ovarian and breast cancer can be reduced by preventive ovarian circumcision. Such decisions, of course, need to take into account a combination of the age, reproductive needs and mental state of the patient.
Lifestyle adjustments
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also important to reduce cancer risk. These include a balanced diet, a higher intake of vegetable-rich fruits and whole-grain foods, reduced intake of high fat and sugary foods; regular exercise, with a minimum of 150 minutes of aerobic activity per week; abdomination of alcohol; good mental state, reduced stress, etc.
Conclusions
The genetic effects of breast cancer on the children of future generations cannot be underestimated, especially among people with specific genetic mutations. Understanding these genetic risks, actively conducting genetic counselling and testing, and taking appropriate preventive and early intervention measures can help future generations to better cope with the potential threat of breast cancer, improve the quality of life and reduce the adverse effects of cancer on families and individuals. At the same time, as medical research continues, our understanding of the genetic mechanisms of breast cancer will become more comprehensive and more effective prevention and treatment strategies are expected to be developed in the future.
