Thu's eldest sister was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 and her second oldest sister with ovarian cancer three years later. Both subsequently passed away. Worried about carrying the same gene mutation, Thu underwent regular checkups for nearly 6 years, with normal results.

Recently, a mammogram revealed a tumor in her right breast, suspected to be malignant. A biopsy confirmed stage 0 breast cancer. The cancerous cells were found in the lining of the milk ducts, not yet spreading beyond the ducts or lobules into the surrounding breast tissue.

Doctor Huynh Ba Tan, from the Department of Breast and Head and Neck Surgery at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, said that Thu's early diagnosis gives her a high chance of recovery.

Medical staff taking a biopsy sample from Thu. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Medical staff taking a biopsy sample from Thu. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Doctors surgically removed Thu's right breast and ordered genetic testing. The results revealed she carried the BRCA2 gene mutation. According to Dr. Tan, it's highly likely both of her deceased sisters also carried this mutation unknowingly.

Dr. Tan explained that genetic factors account for 5-10% of breast cancer cases, primarily due to mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. BRCA genes produce proteins that repair damaged DNA. When these genes mutate, the unrepaired damaged DNA can lead to breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancers.

According to the US National Cancer Institute (NCI), women with a BRCA1 mutation have a 55-72% risk of developing breast cancer. Those with a BRCA2 mutation face a 45-69% risk.

Carriers of the BRCA2 mutation require a mastectomy to prevent recurrence. Four months later, Thu underwent a double mastectomy and a laparoscopic removal of both ovaries. Dr. Tan explained that removing the ovaries helps prevent the production of hormones that can fuel cancer cells, reducing the risk of ovarian cancer. As Thu already has children, this procedure did not impact her life plans.

Dr. Tan operating on Thu. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Dr. Tan operating on Thu. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide. Globocan reported approximately 25,500 new breast cancer cases and 10,000 deaths in both genders in Vietnam in 2022. Dr. Tan noted that the causes are multifaceted: 5-10% are due to inherited gene mutations, 15-20% are familial, and 70-80% are random, stemming from factors like lifestyle and environment. "Not everyone in a family with a BRCA gene mutation will develop cancer," Dr. Tan said, adding that some carriers may fall within the percentage that doesn't develop breast cancer, or the cancer cells may not have manifested yet. It's also possible not to have the gene mutation at all.

Early detection and timely treatment of breast cancer can control the disease and potentially preserve the breast. Women 40 and older should have annual breast cancer screenings. Women at high risk (family history, BRCA gene mutation) should begin screening before 40. If a mother has had breast cancer, her daughters should start screening 10 years earlier than the mother's age at diagnosis.

Minh Tam

*The patient's name has been changed.