Breast and ovarian cancer in women are ones of the most dangerous illnesses that increase the mortality rates in many countries around the world. The US statistics show that the rates of breast cancer reached the point of about 125 cases per 100,000 people during a year (Euhus et al. 991). However, there have been some improvements observed in the sphere of cancer survivals due to the improvements in the early detection procedures.
One of such techniques is BReast CAncer gene 1 (BRCA1) and gene 2 (BRCA2) screening which are the genes that generate tumor suppressor proteins (“BRCA Mutations: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing”). According to the recent studies, the mutation of these genes deters the production of the protein and increases the possibility of cancer (Mersch et al. 270; “BRCA Mutations: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing”).
The early discovery of such deviation greatly contributes to the timely treatment and lifesaving of many people. Moreover, detection of BRCA2 mutation allows for predicting other types of cancer apart from breast and ovarian (Mersch et al. 269). This fact increases the necessity of the BRCA1/2 screening for more effective and identification of early stages of a broader variety of tumors. Regarding the existing programs initiated by the World Health Organization in many countries of Europe, the screening programs should be utilized within governmental programs in the USA (Altobelli et al. 452).
It is a national problem that has to be addressed with an appropriate degree of attention. Due to the frequent occurrences of breast and ovarian cancer, it is vitally important to implement the existing research data and available program patterns at a governmental level for raising national awareness of the issue with an aim to make BRCA1 and BRCA2 screening standard for women care in the USA.
Works Cited
Altobelli, Emma, et al. “Breast Cancer Screening Programmes across the WHO European Region: Differences among Countries Based on National Income Level.” International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, vol. 14, no. 4, 2017, p. 452-476.
“BRCA Mutations: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing.” National Cancer Institute. 2018. Web.
Euhus, David, et al. “Breast Cancer Screening.” Surgical Clinics of North America, vol. 95, no. 5, 2015, pp. 991-1011.
Mersch, Jacqueline, et al. “Cancers Associated with BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations Other than Breast and Ovarian.” Cancer, vol. 121, no. 2, 2015, pp. 269-275.