What Is a BRCA Gene Test or Breast Cancer Gene Test?
A BRCA Gene Test is a blood test which is administered to analyze the patient’s DNA and determine whether or not there are potentially dangerous mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which are linked to the genetic risk of the following cancers:
- Ovarian cancer
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Melanoma
These mutations are hereditary and occur most commonly in patients who have a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer.
How Do You Prepare For BRCA Testing?
It is important to begin by compiling as complete and thorough a family medical history as possible to make an informed decision on whether or not genetic testing is right for you.
Why Is BRCA Gene Testing Performed?
BRCA Gene Testing can be a useful starting point in deciding your next step for cancer treatment and prevention. For patients with cancer, genetic testing can offer indications of the best treatment options. If a gene test suggests that you are at an elevated risk of cancer, you can use this information to inform preventive actions like regular screenings and lifestyle habits.
What Can You Expect During A BRCA Test?
The BRCA Genetic Test is a relatively straightforward blood test. A blood sample is drawn from a vein and then sent to a lab to be analyzed. DNA analysis results typically become available within a week or two.
What Is The Followup For BRCA Testing?
Follow-up may vary depending on whether BRCA mutations are found to be present during DNA analysis. If you test positive for BRCA gene mutations, this means that you are at a highly increased risk of developing cancer. Knowing this, you and your doctor can work together to create a treatment plan. Additional tests may also be warranted. A negative test result is not a guarantee that you will not get cancer, but it does mean that your cancer risk is generally no higher than the average person’s.
It is also possible that your results will be inconclusive. This means that a genetic mutation or variation is present, but its relation to cancer risk is not fully understood.
What Are The Potential Risks Of BRCA Testing?
Gene Testing is a very low-risk diagnostic procedure, but as with anything involving cancer, testing can cause stress and anxiety. A positive test result may lead to feelings of fear, anger, or depression, as well as stressful and difficult decisions about the right path forward for treatment. As with any test where blood is drawn, there is a possibility of bruising or bleeding where the needle is inserted. It is also possible that your test results could be inconclusive or uncover genetic mutations whose effects are not yet known to researchers.
Where Can I Book A BRCA Gene Testing?
You can book a BRCA gene test by going to Labfinder. You can also book a mammogram through their platform as well.
Are There Related Tests Or Diagnostics To BRCA Testing?
Medical Offices of Manhattan also offers cancer screenings for a variety of types of cancers, including colonoscopy and endoscopy to detect colorectal, stomach, and other cancers affecting the digestive tract.
