Which genetic alterations are commonly associated with breast cancer?

The association of specific genetic alterations with breast cancer is well established in the scientific literature. The correct answer includes BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, which are critical because they are linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome. Women with mutations in these genes have a significantly increased risk of developing breast cancer, sometimes at a younger age compared to those without these mutations.

Additionally, the overexpression of HER2 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of a subset of breast cancers, particularly in more aggressive forms of the disease known as HER2-positive breast cancers. The presence of mutations in the p53 gene is also noteworthy, as p53 is a tumor suppressor gene, and alterations can lead to a loss of regulated cell division, further contributing to cancer development.

Other options list different genetic alterations that are either less commonly associated with breast cancer specifically or are more relevant in other cancer types. For instance, while mutations in TP53 can be implicated across various cancers, the specific combinations presented in the other answer choices do not primarily reflect the genetic landscape typically observed in breast cancer. In contrast, the selected answer accurately encompasses the key alterations that clinicians and researchers recognize in the context of breast cancer genetics.