8 years and 47.1 years respectively.

Family history Positive family history was 17DMAG molecular weight found in 39 (65%) families (included 39 patients their ages at diagnosis ranged from 23 to 45 years). Pathologic mutations were detected in 35 families, in 4 families of them, the affected index cases and their 1st degree relatives were mutation carriers for both BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene. Negative family history patients included a group of 21 women diagnosed with breast cancer belonging to 21 families (35%). Of them 15 women included in 15 (25%) families their ages at diagnosis ranged from 18 to 40 years. Germline mutations in predisposing BRCA1 gene were detected in these women and their daughters. In addition, 2 (3.3%) families in which the index patients had bilateral breast cancer diagnosed at ages 44 and 49 years with negative family history found to

have mutation in BRCA1 gene. Pedigree characteristics ACY-241 chemical structure Most index cases, which have a family history of breast cancer, lack the pedigree characteristics of autosomal dominant inheritance of cancer predisposition. Example of pedigree with positive family history shows the proband’s sister and their mother are affected and one of her buy CB-5083 daughters is also affected, the other asymptomatic daughter of the proband is mutation carrier by DNA testing. This mutation carrier female has two daughters on testing one is mutation negative and the other is mutation carrier. Example of pedigree with no family history shows that the patient (proband) aged 32 years at onset of breast cancer have 3 daughters and three normal sisters. One of the asymptomatic daughters on testing found to be mutation carrier for BRCAl gene. In addition, the grand daughter of this proband is also mutation

carrier. Discussion Efforts are underway to reduce the high incidence and mortality associated with breast cancer, which can be achieved by the early detection of women at high risk. Since genetic predisposition is the strongest risk factor, molecular testing can be considered as the only way for early detection of breast cancer. DNA testing for breast cancer susceptibility became an option after the identification of the BRCA1 and Farnesyltransferase BRCA2 genes. Germline mutations in either of the two predisposing genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, account for a significant proportion of hereditary breast cancer [14]. Women with either BRCA mutation have a cumulative lifetime risk of invasive breast cancer of about 55-85% [20]. Generally, it has not been possible for clinician to determine which individual in a high risk families are carriers of BRCA mutations. Women, who may not have these mutations, may have undergone unnecessary intervention including prophylactic surgery. So the availability of the BRCA analysis has beneficial impact on the care and counseling of women at risk [4]. Analysis of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes makes it possible to identify predisposing mutations in affected persons and determine risks for family members.