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Breast Cancer Research Paper


            Cancer is word that resonates through individuals worldwide. Currently, there is no cure for cancer, but only preventative measures that can be taken before and after diagnosis. In 2013, Angelina Jolie underwent a double mastectomy after finding out she had a high risk of breast cancer. Her decision opened up many doors for questions and concerns. This research paper will mainly focus on the causes of breast cancer, and BRCA genetic testing. Proto-oncogenes are genes that when mutated cause normal cells to turn cancerous. Mutations cause the proto-oncogene to increase the level of expression or activity it experiences. The mutated form of a proto-oncogene is called an oncogene. Normally, proto-oncogenes give coding to proteins that encourage cell division, stop cell differentiation, and put an end to cell death. These processes are extremely important for human development and maintenance of organs and tissues. When they mutate and transform into an oncogenes, they overload protein production causing cell division to increase, a decrease in cell differentiation, and suppression of cell death. These factors create cancer cells. [Cha08].
             Tumor Suppressors are similar to proto-oncogenes. They are also known as anti-oncogenes. Their primary function is to oversee and regulate cell growth, and repair damage to DNA, maintaining cell health. When mutations occur, cells grow uncontrollably, and DNA damage causes cells to not undergo programmed cell death. (Pandey, 2009) BRCA1 and BRCA2 fall under the tumor suppressor category of genes, since they produce tumor suppressor proteins. When either of these genes undergoes mutations or alterations, damage to DNA cannot be properly repaired. As a result, genetic alterations form which lead to cancer. [BRC13].
             Most forms of breast cancer are not inherited. About 90% to 95% of breast cancers are sporadic. Sporadic means that gene damage occurred after a person was born by chance, and there is minimal risk of passing that gene on to a future generation.


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