This Mother’s Day, Honor Women Everywhere: Learn the Facts about the BRCA Gene Test
According to Cancer.org, approximately 1 in 8 women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetimes. This Mother’s Day, and every day, we remember that each year we lose mothers, daughters, sisters and friends to breast cancer while scientists rush to find a cure. As we hope and wait for a day when the world will be cancer free, there is something that women can do to help them to understand their potential risks and take proactive steps toward a potential early diagnosis and treatment plan. The breast cancer (BRCA) gene test is helping women to understand if they may be more susceptible to developing cancer, based on their genetic history, so that they can the necessary steps to fight back against breast cancer.
What is the BRCA Gene Test?
The BRCA gene test is a blood test that looks to identify mutations in those genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2 that help to maintain normal cell growth. Changes in these genes can help determine a woman’s likelihood for developing breast cancer as well as ovarian cancer during her lifetime. Women with mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes are at a higher risk of developing the disease. It is important to understand that the BRCA gene test is not a way to identify if a woman has already developed cancer. It only tests for the presence of the mutated BRCA genes.
What Causes the Gene Mutation?
A mutation in the BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 genes can be inherited from either the mother’s or the father’s side of the family. It is estimated that approximately 2 or 3 out of 1000 adult women have a BRCA gene change.
Who Should be Tested?
Only women with a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, and women with a previous diagnosis, are encouraged to take the BRCA gene test. Before and after testing women are also encouraged to complete genetic counseling, a process that aims to help women to understand the benefits, risks, and possible outcomes of the test.
Other Factors to Consider
Women who meet any of the following criteria should ask their gynecologist or primary care physician if they are a candidate for the BCRA gene test:
- Have multiple cases of breast cancer in the family
- Have at least one family member who has had BRCA-related cancer
- Are an Ashkenazi Jew (a Jewish person whose ancestors came from Eastern Europe)
- Have one or more male family members who have had breast cancer
- Have been diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50
- Have had breast cancer in both breasts
- Have had breast cancer and ovarian cancer
What are the Potential Test Results?
The BRCA gene test may indicate that cells are normal, abnormal, or that the test results are uncertain. If the results are normal, or negative, it means the test identified no change in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. If your results are abnormal, or positive, it means the test identified either BCRA1 or BRCA2 gene changes. Women with positive BRCA results have about a 35 to 84 percent chance of developing breast cancer and about a 20 to 40 percent chance of developing ovarian cancer. If the test results are uncertain, it may mean that a gene change is present but it cannot be determined how significant the change is, or if the change is indicative of an increased risk for developing cancer.
It is important to understand that only about 5 to 10 percent of breast and ovarian cancers are linked to the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene change. A negative BRCA test may not guarantee a cancer-free lifetime, but for those at higher risk, genetic knowledge can be the first step in becoming extra vigilant, educated, and prepared with a plan for regular cancer screenings.
Until the Mother’s Day when we can celebrate a cancer-free world, consider your family history and speak with your doctor about whether or not the BCRA gene test is right for you.
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