11 Genetic Diseases You Can Easily Get Tested For
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1. Breast Cancer
Women are more prone to develop breast cancer than men (about 1 out of every 100 breast cancers diagnosed in the United States is found in a man), and with age, the risk increases. Moreover, having a close relative with breast cancer (like your mom, or sister), doubles the risk.
Hereditary breast cancer is usually caused by a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. They usually make proteins that repair damaged DNA, but mutations can have the opposite response, leading to abnormal cell development.
The BRCA gene test can determine if you have any mutations in your DNA, that could significantly increase your risk of developing breast cancer. If you have a case in your family, the recommended age for testing is around the age of 25 to 35 years old. It’s easier to prevent than to treat.
