BRCA gene test for breast and ovarian cancer
Introduction
The BRCA gene test is a blood examination that employs DNA analysis to find damaging variations (mutations) in either of the two genes that increase the risk of developing breast cancer, BRCA1 or BRCA2. Compared to the general population, those who inherit mutations in these genes are more likely to develop ovarian and breast cancer. On the basis of a personal or family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer, the BRCA gene test is made available to people who are most likely to have an inherited mutation. The majority of persons who are seeking genetic testing receive genetic counselling.
Why it is done? The BRCA gene test is a blood test used to find out if you have DNA variations (mutations) that raise your chance of developing breast cancer. Having a BRCA1 or BRCA2 breast cancer gene mutation increases your chance of: ● Breast cancer ● Ovarian cancer ● Prostate cancer ● Pancreatic cancer ● Melanoma
Who should consider BRCA gene testing? If you have: ● A personal history of breast cancer diagnosed before age 45 ● A personal history of breast cancer diagnosed before the age of 50 and a subsequent primary breast cancer, one or more family members who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, or a limited or unreliable family medical history. ● An individual's personal medical history of triple-negative breast cancer, detected at 60 or younger. ● A personal history of two or more cancer kinds.
……continued ● A personal ovarian cancer history ● A personal account of breast cancer and Jewish origin in Ashkenazi (Eastern European) culture. ● A personal history of prostate cancer or pancreatic cancer and at least two BRCA-associated cancers in their relations ● A history of breast cancer in two or more blood relatives—such as your parents, siblings, or kids—at an early age ● A family member who carries a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.
Risks Other than the modest risks of having your blood collected, which may include lightheadedness, bleeding, or bruising, there are no medical hazards connected with getting tested for a BRCA gene mutation. The emotional, monetary, medical, and social effects of your test results are additional consequences associated with genetic testing.
How you prepare ? The BRCA gene testing procedure begins with a consultation with a genetic counsellor. Consult a genetic counsellor as soon as you are considering conducting any type of genetic test to see whether it is right for you and to go over the advantages, dangers, and potential rewards of doing so.
What you can expect? Most frequently, blood is used for the BRCA gene test. To get the blood sample required for testing, a doctor, nurse, or medical technician inserts a needle into a vein, typically in your arm. The sample is delivered to a laboratory for DNA testing. Saliva is one of the additional sample types that may occasionally be gathered for DNA analysis.
Results The release of test results can take a few weeks. To explore the consequences of your test results and your alternatives, you meet with your genetic counsellor. Your test findings could be positive, negative, or uncertain.
Positive test result A positive test result indicates that you have a mutation in one of the breast cancer genes, BRCA1 or BRCA2, and that you are therefore far more likely than someone who does not have the mutation to get breast cancer or ovarian cancer. However, a positive test does not guarantee that you will get cancer.
Negative or Uncertain test result A negative test result indicates that there is no BRCA gene mutation. However, figuring out your cancer risk is still challenging. Only when the test reveals that you don't have a specific BRCA mutation that has already been found in a relative is the result said to be "true negative." A negative test result does not guarantee that you won't develop breast cancer.
Conclusion New gene tests are being created, and research into DNA variants that raise the risk of cancer is ongoing. Your doctor may advise repeat testing using more recent tests if your gene test was performed more than five years ago. Your doctor might also advise additional gene testing if your family health history changes, such as if more family members are diagnosed with cancer. Freiburg Medical Laboratory Middle East LLC offers breast cancer BRCA testing in Dubai. They offers complete laboratory testing with good turnaround time.
