Genetic mutations in two genes increase some women's susceptibility to breast cancer.
Genetic breast cancer testing can determine whether you have the genetic mutations that increase your risk for developing breast cancer. More than 254,000 women received a breast cancer diagnosis in 2009. For most, the disease was an anomaly--no one else in their families had ever had cancer. But, up to 10 percent of these new cases resulted from a genetic abnormality.
Testing
Genetic testing determines if you carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutation, making you more susceptible to breast cancer. If you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, you should talk to your doctor about having genetic testing. Doctors' offices and commercial labs conduct these tests with a blood sample. Results are available within a month. In the United States, Myriad Genetics conducts all commercially available tests. The cost ranges from $300 to $3,000, depending on your insurance coverage.
Participants
If you have certain risk factors, this genetic test could offer you information about your cancer susceptibility. Your risk for carrying a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation is increased if you are of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage or if you have two first-degree relatives (mother or sisters) who developed breast cancer before age 50, three or more second-degree relatives (grandmothers and aunts) who were diagnosed at any age, a first-degree relative with cancer in both breasts, or a male relative with breast cancer. Breast cancer combined with ovarian cancer is also a risk factor. If you are under the age of 18, doctors recommend you not get tested because there are no safe, effective therapies for individuals your age.
Results
A positive test result indicates BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation is present, and that you are five times more likely to develop breast cancer. But, a positive result does not mean you will absolutely develop breast cancer. If you get a negative result and have a family history, doctors consider this a "true negative" -- your DNA does not carry the mutation. If you have no family history and receive a negative result, it could be a false negative, meaning you could still carry the mutation.
Counseling
Genetic counseling from a cancer-genetics professional can help you understand your test result's implications. He can tell you discuss your test with your family, what psychological impact you can expect, and the likelihood that you have passed or could pass the mutation to your children.
Outcomes
Positive or negative results can provide relief by removing uncertainty or they can create unanticipated emotional distress. A positive result could leave you feeling anxious and angry, and impact your choices about preventive surgery, marriage, and having a family. A negative result could prompt survivor guilt if you have lost other family members to breast cancer or if other women in your family receive positive test results.
Tags: breast cancer, BRCA1 BRCA2, breast cancer, have family, have family history
