BRCA1 - Breast Cancer Gene

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     BRCA1 is a tumor suppressor gene that is found on the chromosome 17p21. This means that the protein of this gene, BRCA1, repairs mainly DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) in the DNA of cells to prevent them from dividing uncontrollably. If there is a mutation in the coding for this protein, then the inhabitant's chances for developing breast or ovarian cancer increase exponentially. If there is mutation in different parts of this protein (for example, the region that control cell checkpoints during mitosis, which is the SQ cluster, can be mutated which is located within the structure of BRCA1). The many intricate parts to this protein cause the delicate nature of the protein because of the many parts of BRCA1 that can be affected. 

     A mutation in the BRCA1 protein causes approximately half of the hereditary breast cancer cases in the world. BRCA1 is an autosomal dominant trait. Every year, on average, one million women die of breast cancer which accounts for about 500,000 women dying from a mutation in their coding for the BRCA1 protein. The most common treatment for breast cancer is a single or double mastectomy, which is the removal of one or both breasts in order to lower the risk of developing breast cancer or to stop the spread of the tumor. One most public case of a double mastectomy is that of Angelina Jolie. She was predisposed to breast cancer as her family had a history of the illness and after undergoing a double mastectomy, her chances of developing breast cancer went from 87% to less than 5%. The effectiveness of this treatments is undeniable, however, some women prefer to risk getting the cancer because of their concern about the loss of their breasts. Although, many advances are being made in the prosthetics world with silicone or gel-like implants becoming available.