Many women with a high risk of breast or ovarian cancer have surgery to remove their breasts or ovaries in order to reduce the likelihood of developing cancer UK research reports.
The study included 211 women, aged 35 to 45, with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations, which are known to increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. The women found out about their increased risk after undergoing genetic testing.
"Women have their breasts or ovaries removed based on their risk. It does not always happen immediately after counseling or a genetic test result and can take more than seven years for patients to decide to go forward with surgery," lead researcher Dr D. Gareth Evans, a consultant in clinical genetics at the Genesis Prevention Center, University Hospital of South Manchester NHS Trust, and professor at the University of Manchester, said in a news release.
Abnormal, uncontrolled cell division resulting in a malignant tumour that may invade surrounding tissues or spread to distant parts of the body.
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The basic unit of genetic material carried on chromosomes.
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Relating to the genes, the basic units of genetic material.
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A change in the genetic material (DNA) of a cell, or the change this this causes in a characteristic of the individual, which is not caused by normal genetic processes.
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relating to the ovaries
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Female reproductive organs situated one on either side of the uterus (womb). They produce egg cells (ova) and hormones in a monthly cycle.
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