Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in The Bahamas. It attacks Bahamian women with a ferocity unseen anywhere else in the world … being diagnosed two decades earlier and two stages later than in North America. Sadly, it is the leading cause of death among Bahamian women.
The specific cause of breast cancer is not known - however, certain factors may put a person at a higher risk of developing the disease such as age, ethnicity, and personal health history, among others.
Another important factor to consider is also one’s genetic composition and family history. Genetics plays a dominant role in the treatment planning for breast cancer. When appropriate, using family-based risk assessment and genetic testing can provide a basic understanding of the structure and function of genes and determine the best option for treatment.
According to Cleveland Clinic, the risk for breast cancer doubles for women who have an immediate family member who has had breast cancer — approximately 20 to 30 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a family member who also has had breast cancer. However, up to 80 percent of women diagnosed with breast cancer have no family history, and it is believed that cancer occurs due to genetic abnormalities that result from the natural process of aging. About 5-10 percent of breast cancers are linked to gene mutations a woman inherits from her mother or father.
The most common genes associated with inherited breast cancer risk are the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. A blood test is required to determine if a patient carries either of these genes, with results typically available in a few weeks.
“During a genetic counseling visit at Cleveland Clinic, a counselor will obtain a personal medical and detailed family medical history. That will determine whether or not genetic testing is appropriate and which genetic changes to assess,” said Dr. Cassan Blake, M.D., Breast Surgical Oncologist at Cleveland Clinic Florida. “We also offer predictive testing for family members who may have inherited a specific genetic mutation."
For most people, breast cancer is a disease that affects women, but men can also develop the disease. Although breast cancer in men is rare (Less than 1% of all new breast cancer cases), men can develop the same types of breast cancers as women due to a small amount of breast tissue men have. Risk factors for men are similar to those for women, but also include others such as testicular conditions, exposure to estrogen, and Klinefelter syndrome, a congenital condition affecting about 1 in 1,000 men.
Breast cancer risk in men increases with age, most commonly diagnosed between the ages of 50 and 70. Cancers related to gene mutations often occur in people younger than age 60. Symptoms of breast cancer in men are very similar to those in women. However, tumors are usually smaller but may be more advanced upon diagnosis because men have very little breast tissue, so the tumor doesn't have far to grow before invading other tissues or the lymph nodes. For both women and men in the Bahamas with a strong family history of breast cancer, it is important to do monthly self-exams and to have any changes examined immediately by a physician. It is important to share whether there is a family history of breast cancer and discuss whether that history might warrant changes to care.
About Cleveland Clinic
Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. Located in Cleveland, Ohio, it was founded in 1921 by four renowned physicians with a vision of providing outstanding patient care based upon the principles of cooperation, compassion and innovation. Cleveland Clinic has pioneered many medical breakthroughs, including coronary artery bypass surgery and the first face transplant in the United States. U.S. News & World Report consistently names Cleveland Clinic as one of the nation’s best hospitals in its annual “America’s Best Hospitals” survey. Among Cleveland Clinic’s 66,000 employees are more than 4,200 salaried physicians and researchers and 16,600 nurses, representing 140 medical specialties and subspecialties. Cleveland Clinic’s health system includes a 165-acre main campus near downtown Cleveland, 11 regional hospitals in northeast Ohio, more than 180 northern Ohio outpatient locations – including 18 full-service family health centers and three health and wellness centers – and locations in southeast Florida; Las Vegas, Nev.; Toronto, Canada; Abu Dhabi, UAE; and London, England. In 2018, there were 7.9 million total outpatient visits, 238,000 hospital admissions and observations, and 220,000 surgical cases throughout Cleveland Clinic’s health system. Patients came for treatment from every state and 185 countries. Visit us at clevelandclinic.org. Follow us at twitter.com/CCforMedia and twitter.com/ClevelandClinic. News and resources available at newsroom.clevelandclinic.org.
