Important Facts Related to Gene Testing and Breast Cancer

1. Gene Testing That You Might Want To Know

2. Gene testing has evolved as a revolutionary preventive method for breast cancer. Women with a history of breast or ovarian cancer in their families are, now, opting for gene test to determine their genetic code.

3. Women with faulty genes – BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 can take the necessary preventive measures to avoid cancer. However, is gene testing scientific? Does it really help? Gene Testing

4. With Angelina Jolie, the Hollywood actress and mother of six, going public about her double mastectomy as a step to prevent cancer (as she was tested positive for faulty BRCA 1 gene). Women are always thinking of such stronger steps to protect themselves against breast and ovarian cancer. However, there are some facts that need to be known before taking such a drastic step.

5. Most Women Do Not Need – And Should Not Get- The Genetic Testing Done Considering the fact that an influential personality like Angelia Jolie has been through it, most women may be contemplating on the thought of genetic testing. So, if you, too, are wondering whether it is needed to get tested for mutated BRCA gene, you must consider the pros and cons of genetic testing.

6. Practically, experts do not feel that there is a need to go for this test. Only women with an increased risk of breast cancer in their family can benefit from genetic testing. It is also very important to emphasize on the right relatives i.e., in terms of relations, before concluding about the cancer history in the family.

7. First of all, the health history of all first-degree relatives, including children, siblings and parents should be taken into consideration. Secondly, it is important to consider all the second-degree relatives like grandparents, uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews. You may consider your options for getting gene testing if anyone or even more relatives on the same side of your family have been diagnosed with cancer (of the same kind) – such as two cases of breast cancers or ovarian cancers.

8. A BRCA 1 or a BRCA 2 mutation increases the risk of ovarian or breast cancer before the age of 50, though it is not significantly the reason for cancer . The Ashkenazis, or people who belong to the Eastern European region, of Jewish descent, having one or many relatives who have been diagnosed with the genetic mutation are at a higher risk of the disease. The BRCA mutation can be detected with the help of a blood test done through lab specializing in screening. Results would normally take a couple of weeks.

9. Everyone With Faulty BRCA Gene Does Not Develop Cancer Faulty BRCA gene definitely raises the risk of ovarian and breast cancer dramatically, but it is not the cause of cancer. It is estimated that 60 percent of all women with these gene mutation are likely to be diagnosed with classic cases of breast cancer; it is true, a woman with BRCA 1 or 2 mutations is almost 5 times more likely to get breast cancer than one without it.

10. That is one of the reasons why experts believe that the entire decision to remove both the breasts prophylactically, as done by Angelina Jolie, and the ovaries, is a smart and strong choice for the ones tested positive for such mutations. However, not everyone tested positive are at an evaluated risk of ovarian and breast cancer, which is also true.