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  The Magnesium Project 

Breast Cancer

Cancer describes a situation in which the normal processes of cell growth, multiplication and differentiation have gone awry. In recent years it has also come to be understood that the normal cell cycle includes a process to bring about cell death (apoptosis).  We have further learned that tissue / tumor growth is generally accompanied by growth in supporting tissues such as development of blood vessels (angiogenesis) that provide the necessary nutrients and oxygen to sustain the new cells. We also understand that most cells respond to certain so-called growth hormones such as the estrogens. Thus, there are a number of different areas of active research seeking ways to control the growth of cancer cells. The spread of cancer (metastasis) beyond the original tissue is another area of active research.

The major approaches to curing cancer have been directed to ways of killing the cancer cells.  Unfortunately, the ways most frequently used are ways to destroy cells in general - cancer and normal alike.  Under this approach fall radiation, surgery and chemotherapy.  Classic examples of the side effects of these methods are hair loss, compromised immune system and disturbed gastro-intestinal functions.  These are the areas in which there is high growth and turnover of normal cells.  

While there are many types of cancer, they generally have common features and common treatments as outlined above. IPRS has chosen to focus on one type of cancer to look for innovative ways to further the research and to help the patient in the meantime with treatment choices.

There are a number of similarities between prostate cancer and breast cancer.  They are both cancers of  glandular tissues.  They both have a strong inherited aspect and they both take a significant toll on the population.  There are common areas of overlap between treatments and root causes.

In 1994, the first gene associated with breast cancer — BRCA1 (for BReast CAncer1) was identified on chromosome 17. A year later, a second gene associated with breast cancer — BRCA2 — was discovered on chromosome 13. When individuals carry a mutated form of either BRCA1 or BRCA2, they have an increased risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer at some point in their lives. Children of parents with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation have a 50 percent chance of inheriting the gene mutation.

When someone with a family history of breast cancer has been tested and found to have an altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, the family is said to have a "known mutation." Positive test results only provide information about the risk of developing breast cancer. The test cannot tell a person whether or when cancer might develop. Many, but not all, women and some men who inherit an altered gene will develop breast cancer. Both men and women who inherit an altered gene, whether or not they develop cancer themselves, can pass the alteration on to their sons and daughters.

Another point in common between the two types of cancer is that early testing (PSA for men) and a positive test for the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene for women, present the patient with a similar set of options ranging from active surveillance (mammography and clinical breast exams) to radiation, chemotherapy or surgery (partial or complete).  Thus, the decision making process in determining the best treatment/care options is equally complex and emotionally charged.  A woman who tests positive can also consider taking the drug tamoxifen, which has been found to reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by almost 50 percent in women at high risk. An elaboration of this information can be found on the following web site:

 http://www.breastcenter.com/procedures/brca1brca2.php

Genetic conditions that may be pre-disposing to any of the foregoing conditions are yet to be fully evaluated. For further discussion of genetics and genomics see the  Genomics.

Interested in advocating for research on Breast Cancer? 

See our page on Community Advocacy opportunities (CDMRP program and Consumer Reviewers program): Cancer Research Advocate .

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Revised: February 17, 2024