The breast cancer gene

And state-of-the-art MRI screening is now finding breast cancer at earlier, more treatable stages. "MRI is a very good option for someone who doesn't want to have surgery," says Metcalfe. "Chances are, though, that these women will be called back at some point, because something will be found" on the scan.

What about lifestyle choices that can help prevent cancer? There's an exciting, growing body of evidence suggesting some supplements may make a difference. Narod himself recommends certain dietary supplements – for example, vitamin D, diindolylmethane (DIM – a compound found naturally in broccoli and cabbage) and lycopene as well as green tea – that may boost the body's antioxidant load or lower estrogen. This in turn helps to prevent DNA mutation, promote DNA repair and slow cancer growth. "Some dietary supplements are theoretical; we don't have direct proof," notes Narod, whose team is doing research in this area.

A well-balanced life
Right now, Tanya is maintaining her well-balanced diet in the hopes of curbing her cancer risks. And she's keeping up her half-marathon training. While there's no hard evidence that getting more exercise keeps breast cancer totally at bay, studies suggest that this and other lifestyle habits, such as cutting out alcohol, may make some difference to the average woman's risk. If nothing else, these healthy habits have overall benefits, says Wong. "One could argue these little changes may not have a very large impact on the actual risk of developing cancer. But it helps people to cope, if they feel that they are doing what they can. If any of them happens to be diagnosed, being in a healthier place is always beneficial." Certainly, eating well and being active pays dividends whether or not a woman 
is BRCA-positive.

Are other genes linked to breast cancer? Scientists have found a handful that may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer, but none are as weighty as BRCA-1 and BRCA-2. "If it was there, they would have found it," says Narod. "The technology now [for identifying genes] is 100 times better" than ever before.

Research elsewhere continues to find promising new agents for treatment. For example, a class of drugs called PARP (Poly/ADP-Ribose Polymerase) inhibitors is attracting interest for its potential to block the repairing of cancer cells after chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

Today, Tanya doesn't know if her 10-year-old daughter carries the BRCA mutation. But she hopes that if and when her daughter does learn her genetic status, she will never know firsthand what her older relatives suffered through. "Thinking about the new technology just since my mom was diagnosed, I know my daughter will be that much better off when she’s older," says Tanya. She adds: "I'm really optimistic there will be a cure."

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