Polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with breast cancer

    You can apply the results of certain genes in your report to breast cancer prevention. When you know that you have certain variants in these genes, it helps in more individualized prevention, as you will understand how your DNA influences your health and what habits you should adopt to strengthen your body. Here are some polymorphisms associated with breast cancer:

     CYP2R1: Variants in CYP2R1 increase the need for vitamin D. Research has shown that women with the highest amount of circulating vitamin D were associated with a 45-50% decrease in the risk of breast cancer when compared to those women with the lowest amount of vitamin D. BRCA1 expression is also key in mediating the biological impact of vitamin D3 on breast tumor cells, which means that you have to support BRCA first before vitamin D can do its job. The ideal range seems to be between 35 and 50 ng/ml. Vitamin D may also inhibit the estrogen pathway and reduce the expression of the aromatase gene, a gene encoding an enzyme that converts androgens to estrogens.

     MTHFR, MTHFD1, and DHFR: All genes should be reviewed to assess folic acid sensitivity and folate requirements. High circulating levels of synthetic folic acid found in fortified foods and synthetic supplements have been associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. Those with the BRCA mutation and high circulating folic acid had a 3.2-fold increased risk of breast cancer for high circulating folic acid.  It seems hypothetical that having your first child in your 30s while supplementing with synthetic folic acid combined with low zinc, selenium, and choline intake would be a recipe for aggressive breast cancer growth in those genetically susceptible.

     BCMO1: Variants reduce the ability to convert beta-carotene to vitamin A, increasing the need for animal-based vitamin A. Vitamin A modulates the epigenome and reverts pre-cancerous breast cells to normal cells, but not full cancer cells, making it more effective for prevention.


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