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TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH #12345_20220621

FOR RELEASE WEEK OF JUNE 20, 2022 (COL. 2)

BYLINE: By Keith Roach, M.D.

TITLE: Mom worries about husband's family history of breast cancer

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DEAR DR. ROACH: I am concerned that my 33-year-old daughter will have breast cancer. I have no history in my family of breast cancer, but my husband's grandmother, mother and sister all have had breast cancer with double mastectomies. I have heard that the DNA follows the mother's side and not the father's. Is this true or an old wives' tale? Should she have a BRCA test? -- D.C.

ANSWER: Most cases of breast cancer are sporadic, meaning there is no particular identifiable family risk to develop breast cancer. However, there are identified genetic risks, especially including the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic variants, which are worth testing for in certain situations.

The guidelines for testing a person for BRCA1/2 are complicated, and I don't have enough space to even summarize them here. However, the family history you've given is probably not enough to recommend gene testing (unless there are other factors, such as an Ashkenazi Jewish background). The types of breast cancer (such as 'triple negative" breast cancer) and the ages at which the family members were diagnosed are also important.

The genes for BRCA1/2 are autosomal, not X-linked, meaning that it doesn't (much) matter whether they come from the maternal or paternal side. Slight differences due to something called epigenetic changes can mean people who inherit BRCA2 from their father tend to have their breast and ovarian cancers diagnosed at a younger age than if it came from their mother.

Ideally, the person who had the cancer (breast, ovarian, pancreas, and prostate cancers all are affected by BRCA genes) should get tested, not only for BRCA1/2, but other newly identified genetic susceptibility genes.

The best advice on whether testing for your daughter is appropriate would come from a genetic counselor.

DEAR DR. ROACH: Are studies that suggest eating prunes daily might delay or prevent osteoporosis for postmenopausal women valid? Thanks. -- M.S.

ANSWER: There are several studies that suggested eating prunes may have benefits on the bones. In some studies, women ate 4 ounces of prunes daily (the control group got dried apples), and blood tests suggested less bone turnover. Bone density studies suggested some benefit or at least slowing of decline among women eating prunes compared with the control group. The duration of the studies was in months -- quite short, as two years is often needed to see benefits in the bone, which changes slowly.

These sorts of studies would never be acceptable for new medications to treat osteoporosis, which would require significant improvements in bone strength, or better yet, reduction in the risk of fractures. However, prunes have minimal potential for side effects, having been consumed for millennia. Prunes are well known to effectively treat constipation (which can be problematic in people who struggle with loose stools). Both men and women can get osteoporosis, though only women have been included in studies on prunes.

Compared against the currently available osteoporosis treatments, which have the potential, however small, for serious complications, prunes are very safe. They may not keep a person from requiring additional treatment, but they may help.

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Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu or send mail to 628 Virginia Dr., Orlando, FL 32803.

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Read the rest here:

Mom worries about husband's family history of breast cancer - The Independent

Category: Ashkenazi
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