About 10 % of breast cancers are thought to be hereditary. This means that they have been directly passed from the genes of your parents.
Some of the genetic mutations are inherited, while others mutations are somatic. It means that your genes have modified or changed over the course of a lifetime and can’t be repaired.
Furthermore, if you have a relative who has been diagnosed with breast cancer, it is worth talking to your doctor to get BRCA Testing for Breast Cancer. The test will help you know whether you carry a genetic mutation that increases your risk of disease.
Compared to the advantages that the BRCA test offers, BRCA Mutation Testing Cost seems insignificant. In addition, genetic testing for cancer can also be beneficial to those who already have been diagnosed with breast cancer, irrespective of the family history.
Gene Mutations Linked to Breast Cancer
Women and men who possess mutated versions of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are at the higher end of developing breast cancer. These mutations are also related to the greater risk of pancreatic, prostate cancers and ovarian cancer. Having a close relative with ovarian cancer can also raise some concerns about a heightened risk for breast cancer.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 Testing Lab focus on some specific areas of the gene to look for mutation. In a clinical setting, the tests are conducted by a simple blood test. In addition, pre-test and post-test genetic counselling is typically offered, which can be life-changing to some.
Need for Genetic Testing
Individuals who have some relatives diagnosed with breast cancer can visit a genetic counsellor to discuss their family medical history. They can also discuss other factors that may help determine if a genetic test would be useful.
Some of the high-risk groups who should undergo BRCA Testing for Breast Cancer are:
- Ancestors from the Jewish Side
- One or more BRCA positive test relatives (from mother’s or father’s side)
- Breast cancer diagnosis in two or more close relatives
- Breast cancer diagnosis in family members before the age of 50.
- A close family member has cancer in both breasts.
- A family history of ovarian cancer.
If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, your doctor can ask you to undertake BRCA Testing for Breast Cancer to design the most effective, timely, and appropriate treatment to kill your cancer. The test can also help prevent any recurrence.
For instance, BRCA1 mutation generally means that you are more likely to develop triple-negative breast cancer. This type of cancer usually does not respond to hormone therapy or certain types of cancer drugs. But it is more likely that this type of cancer may respond to chemotherapy. So knowing the form of cancer can help your doctor chart the course of treatment.
You can also undertake genetic testing in a BRCA1 and BRCA2 Testing Lab for the following reason:
- To find if you have mutated BRCA genes
- To analyze your choice for prevention
- Tailor-made treatment options
- Reduce any side effects from the treatment
- After treatment to reduce the chances for recurrence.
BRCA Mutation Testing Cost
BRCA genetic testing, which checks for mutations that could occur, might cost approximately Rs. 15000 to Rs 20000. However, the test cost is comparatively lesser to what is offered in western countries. Therefore, compared to the advantages that a BRCA test offers to you, the BRCA Mutation Testing Cost should not be a deterrent for your good health.
Making the Right Decision
If you have already been diagnosed with breast cancer, the doctor may recommend genetic testing in a BRCA1 and BRCA2 Testing Lab for the above reasons.
But if you don’t have breast cancer, then you may struggle to make the decision. Knowing mutation status of BRCA genes can be empowering for some women, but for some others, it may become the reason for anxiety and fear. If you get a positive test, you might become fearful of having a future breast cancer diagnosis (which may or may not occur).
