Many researchers and health professionals believe that the most significant medical advances that lie ahead of us in this century will involve genetics. And we're already seeing early developments of this trend in the research of certain gene mutations that can help women predict a high risk of breast cancer and other cancers.

One of these studies has already revealed a way to use nutrition to minimize the risk posed by mutations in genes.

-------------------------------------------------------------- Protection altered --------------------------------------------------------------

We'll start with a 2002 study from the University of Washington (UW), in which researchers conducted genetic testing on 1,008 women diagnosed with breast cancer. The UW team was specifically looking for mutations or alterations in two cancer protection genes, called BRCA1 and BRCA2 (acronyms for "breast cancer 1" and "breast cancer 2"). Previous studies have already shown that variations in these genes are associated with an elevated breast cancer risk, as well as a risk of other cancers - primarily ovarian cancer.

In the second phase of the study, researchers genetically tested family members of the women who had variations of BRCA1 and 2. When data was analyzed, the risks were shown to be even higher than those revealed in previous trials:

* Lifetime risk of breast cancer was 82 percent for those with mutations of either gene

* Lifetime risk of ovarian cancer was 54 percent for those with BRCA1 mutations

* Lifetime risk of ovarian cancer was 23 percent for those with BRCA2 mutations

These risk levels are all considerably higher than those of women who have no alterations in BRCA1 and BRCA2. The researchers also found that physical exercise and lack of obesity in adolescence was associated with a delay in the eventual onset of breast cancer.

The UW study was reported in the journal Science late last year. In an accompanying article, genetic researchers Ephrat Levy-Lahad and Sharon E. Plon noted that these results reinforce the importance for women who test positive for mutations of these genes to take aggressive action in the prevention and screening of breast and ovarian cancers.

-------------------------------------------------------------- Gene tested --------------------------------------------------------------

Based on this confirming evidence, any woman who has a family history of breast or ovarian cancer will be forewarned of an elevated risk by a having genetic test to find the status of their BRCA1 and 2 genes.

Setting up a genetic test is fairly easy. Once blood is drawn, your doctor or another healthcare professional can submit your sample to a laboratory that's qualified to perform genetic testing. But other factors can get sticky. For instance, genetic testing is sometimes expensive and the cost is not covered by all health insurance providers. Furthermore, a positive test might increase insurance coverage, so some may not want their insurance company to know the results of the test or even that they're planning to take the test.

When you talk with your doctor about getting a genetic test he may have some advice about keeping the cost low. And of course it's always a good idea to be as informed as possible about any topic you discuss with your doctor. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) can provide plenty of information about genetic testing, how to locate a healthcare professional trained in genetics, and specific details about BRCA1 and BRCA2.

The NCI Cancer Information Service can be reached by phone at 1-800-422-6237, and on the Internet at cis.nci.nih.gov.

-------------------------------------------------------------- Baby boom and beyond --------------------------------------------------------------

The UW researchers also found that women with a BRCA1 or 2 mutation, who were born before 1940, had a 24 percent risk of developing breast cancer by the age of 50. But women who were born after 1940, and who showed a mutation in one of the genes, had a 67 percent risk of developing breast cancer by age 50.

These results indicate that environmental and lifestyle factors also have a strong influence on breast cancer risk. For instance, women with gene mutations can reduce their risk by exercising regularly, keeping their weight below levels of obesity, and by not smoking or consuming alcohol in excess.

In addition, a 2002 laboratory study reported in the British Journal of Nutrition found that omega-3 fatty acids may help prompt increases in the protective BRCA1 and 2 genes. This expands on previous research that shows how omega-3 fats may reduce the growth of cancer cells, while a diet with an abundance of omega-6 may encourage cancer cell growth.

The advantage of increasing omega-3 intake (especially through fish consumption) is well known among HSI members. And other research has shown that the phytonutrients in fresh fruits and vegetables may also provide protection against breast cancer. So no matter what your family history or genetic profile may reveal, there are always some risk factors within your control.