Shalini didn’t expect the results she was being informed by the genetic counsellor in her post-test counselling session. She was recently diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 35, and she went for the Breast and Ovarian Cancer Genetic Testing on advice from her doctor since she had developed the disease.
No one in her family had breast or ovarian cancer, the two conditions primarily associated with BRCA gene mutation. Her genetic counsellor informed her that she was tested positive for the BRCA2 mutation, which was likely the trigger behind her cancer. Her being a carrier of BRCA2 mutation is not only an important information for her but her family members also, who should be tested for the same mutation.
Though she didn’t have a history of breast cancers in her family, she soon found out that BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are tied to a number of conditions. As we all have become aware of these tests, the Breast Cancer Genetic Testing Costs are reasonable, considering they could save your life!
Here’s what you ought to know about BRCA genes.
- Everyone has BRCA genes
Did you know that we all have BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes? These genes serve as tumor suppressors when working properly, preventing cells in ovaries, breasts, and other body parts from growing out of control. When BRCA genes mutate, they do not perform their tumor suppressor duty properly, and thus these put those with the mutated risk at higher risk of developing cancer.
- The BRCA genes are associated with different types of cancers.
While ovarian cancer and breast cancers are the most well-known versions of the diseases associated with the BRCA gene mutations, other multiple types of cancer-causing mutations are:
- fallopian tube cancer
- primary peritoneal cancer
- prostate cancer
- pancreatic cancer
Genetic Screening Tests have even linked melanoma to being connected with BRCA gene mutations.
- BRCA1 mutations carry a higher probability of cancer risk than BRCA2 mutations
Though both BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations increase a carrier’s risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer, there is not an equal percentage risk for carrying this cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, there is a probability that 55 to 70 per cent of people having BRCA1 mutation will develop breast cancer by the age of 70 to 80, compared to 45-69 per cent of those individuals having a BRCA2 mutation.
- BRCA gene mutations are common among some groups.
While individuals with family members having ovarian or breast cancer have a higher risk of developing BRCA positive, there are other groups of people who also have an increased risk of carrying this mutation.
These individuals include:
- people having relatives who developed breast cancer before age 50
- people developing breast cancer themselves before age 50
- people having a male relative with breast cancer
Since the Breast Cancer Genetic Testing Cost is widely available in India now-a-days, individuals should get themselves checked to identify any chances of them having cancer in the future, in case they have strong personal or family history.
- A BRCA positive doesn’t automatically mean that your children will have the mutation
Most people naturally assume that since their Ovarian Cancer Genetic Testing came positive, their children to have inherited the same gene. However, your genetic counsellor could tell you after the test that there’s a 50 percent chance that your child may not inherit the mutation.
Every BRCA gene has two parts, one given by the mother and one contributed by the father. So, if a parent’s gene has one mutated part and one nonmutated, then it’s entirely possible to pass down the functioning part.
However, before coming to a conclusion, you can always ask your offspring to take the Genetic Screening Test when they reach a certain age.
Cancer doesn’t make you powerless. It is better to face your fear than live in ignorance. Find out your chances of having cancer with a BRCA test to chart out how you could delay it or prevent it altogether.
