Breast Cancer Susceptibility ScreeningIntroductionIn 1994, researchers isolated a gene, BRCA1, which had an unprecedented impact on the study of cancer genetics . BRCA1 is a breast cancer susceptibility gene, meaning that women who have certain mutations in this gene also have a significantly increased risk of getting familial breast cancer. A year later, a second breast cancer susceptibility gene, BRCA2, was discovered. Mutations in these two genes alone appear to be responsible for approximately 70% of breast cancer cases in families with a mode of inheritance affecting several generations. Due to impressive statistics and the potential to change the lives of millions of women, BRCA1 and BRCA2 have continually been the subject of intensive research in laboratories around the world. Research has led to the development of genetic screening techniques to detect possible carcinogenic mutations. However, evolving screening techniques have been accompanied by increased public scrutiny. The ethics of genetic testing for breast cancer must be examined as a critical aspect of the issue. In this article, I will cover the following areas related to breast cancer susceptibility screening: A review of some basic concepts of cancer genetics General information about BRCA1 and BRCA2 The technical aspects of screening, including the main ones characteristics of each method Ethical considerations, explaining viewpoints from both sides of the issuePublic policy regarding genetic testingMy personal opinion regarding genetic testing for breast cancerConcepts in cancer geneticsThe human body contains two main classes of regulatory genes which are necessary for normal control of cell growth....... middle of article ...... registered member to access this site; press Cancel in the Username/Password box to register) http://www.medscape.com/ACCC/OncIssues/1997/v12.n02/oi1202.02.alexandre.htmlEng, C. and J . 1997. Genetic testing: the problems and the promises. Natural Biotechnology 15:422-426.1997. Genetic testing: the controversial background check. People's Medical Society 16:1-4. Lancaster, JM, ME Carney, and A. Futreal. BRCA 1 and 2 – a genetic link to familial breast and ovarian cancer. Obtained from WWW: (You must be a registered member to access this site; click Cancel in the Username/Password box to register) http://www.medscape.com/Medscape/womens.health /1997/v02.n02/w134.lancaster /w134.lancaster.htmlSidransky, D. 1996. Advances in cancer detection. Scientific American 275:104-109. Stix, G. 1996. Is genetic testing premature? Scientific American 275:107.