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Other possible BRCA genes?

Page last modified on: November 20, 2008
Question from Lee: I have a strong family history of breast cancer: me at 36, mom and grandmother in their 40's. I tested negative for BRCA but was told that it was a BRCA gene not discovered yet. Is there another BRCA gene in study?
Answer —Generosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.P.: In women who have a very strong family history (and that may mean three or more women with breast cancer in the family, young age at diagnosis, etc.), testing negative is not as reassuring as it might be because we consider these families to be hereditary and we approach them as if they are hereditary.

We believe there may be other genes involved in these families, maybe a BRCA 3 or 4, or maybe other genes. But in answer to your question, these genes have not been identified and there are no tests either in a commercial lab or a research center. So stay tuned—more research will be done. We've come a long way since BRCA was identified 10 years ago, so we have high hopes the genetic link in families such as yours will be unraveled, but it's going to take additional time. By hereditary, I mean a trait or condition that is transmitted in the family from generation to generation.

On Wednesday, December 21, 2005, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Updates from San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium 2005. Generosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.P. and moderator Marisa Weiss, M.D. brought you the highlights of the 2005 Breast Cancer Symposium and answered your questions about the latest diagnostic and treatment options for breast cancer.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Generosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.PGenerosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.P. is the director of the Cooper Cancer Institute and heads the division of hematology/medical oncology at Cooper University Hospital.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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