The Genetic Testing for BRCA1 & BRCA2 plays a quintessential role in defining your level of risk of acquiring breast and ovarian cancer because of the reason that somebody in your family line had the same issue. Apart from this several other types of cancer risks are also correlated with the BRCA for which getting the Genetic Testing done for BRCA1 & BRCA2 is the best idea.
With the help of this article, you will be able to understand in brief the Genetic Testing for BRCA1 & BRCA2. It has been compiled using various research-based sources. Read it till the end to recognize what might be your case.
Statistics
- According to genetic counselors, genetic breast cancers occur in families by 20 to 30%.
- Researchers say that damage happening to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes leads to an overall 7% of breast cancers.
- More than 2 lakh breast cancer incidences are predicted among people in India by 2025.
- Almost 14% of ovarian cancers are caused due to the damages in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
- Ovarian cancer number might reach 50 thousand additionally by 2025, in India.
- Researchers say that BRCA1 mutations hold a higher risk I.e, 46% to 87% of manifesting breast cancer in a person till 80 years of age.
- BRCA2 genes can lead to breast cancer in almost 38% to 84% of people till they reach 80 years.
What is Genetic Testing for BRCA1 & BRCA2?
The BRCA test is one of the forms of a blood test itself which is primarily focussed on bringing in front the dangerous mutations in BRCA1 & BRCA2, a breast cancer vulnerability. It is done by using your DNA analysis. Generally, those who possess the inherited mutations in their genes are at an increased threat of acquiring ovarian cancer and breast cancer at some time in their life.
In general, if your family history holds the record of having ovarian cancer and breast cancer, then it's most likely that you will have to go through the same in this lifetime. It is detected using the BRCA test. It is not done on a routine basis; rather once in a while when you witness any specific symptoms causing uneasiness to your body.
Also, the results that you get to know after getting the BRCA genetic test done for yourself, are not always put forward in a very precise and clear manner. But yes, you can surely get to know that if you are among the ones who are at risk of developing ovarian cancer and breast cancer. With a positive report, your risk of acquiring such a disease is higher. You can closely work with your doctor who has specialized in minimizing such risks. With the negative test report, your risk of acquiring this type of disease is lower comparatively. People also approach genetic counselors for reasons to understand these reports. It helps them realize the clear picture and the level to which they are at risk of getting genetic cancers as stated in these reports. They also suggest the relevant set of tests that once performed might reveal more clarity on this subject.
Risky Outcomes
- Having a hard time making the decision relates to the long-term treatment and prevention measures of such diseases.
- Insurance discrimination issues
- High levels of depression, stress, panic attack, anxiety, and other mental health blockages.
- Strong feeling and fear that your upcoming generation will be getting affected because of your genetic BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.
- Weakened relationships within the family knowing the fact that everybody has faced cancer some time in her life.
Who should get the Genetic Testing for BRCA1 & BRCA2 done?
Genetic Testing for BRCA1 & BRCA2 has become a mandatory process as it can lead to the risk of numerous kinds of cancer which may take years to cure or might never get cured. You should get tested as soon as possible if you are the victim of the following things -
- If somebody in the history of your family has witnessed any type of cancer more than twice.
- If any of your family members were diagnosed with breast cancer before reaching the age of 45.
- In anybody in your family has faced triple-negative breast cancer at the age of 60 or more.
- Limited knowledge about the medical history of your family where you only know that few of your relatives have been diagnosed with the second primary breast cancer previously at or before 50 years of age.
- Private history holding the record of having an Ashkenazi - Eastern European, Jewish ancestry
- Family history of young people have faced the breast cancer
- Family history of having the male breast cancer
- Known ones in the family who faced the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
- Having a personal history of people who had pancreatic or prostate cancers.
- Having a personal family history of ovarian cancer
Why is Genetic Testing for BRCA1 & BRCA2 done?
The BRCA1 & BRCA2 genetic testing using blood is usually done for determining the DNA changes that can lead to breast cancer. It uncovers the unidentified problems in your genes. It tells you if you are currently suffering from the following problems as mentioned below -
- Ovarian cancer
- Breast cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Melanoma
- Male breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
If the genetic mutation or sudden changes in your DNA is diagnosed, then you with the help of your doctor takes care of these problems via a suitable treatment. With proper remedies, there are 50% chances of getting cured within years.
Key takeaways
Considering the genetic counselor at the right time can save you from the upcoming disaster. This counselor will start your treatment based on analyzing your family background of people who faced cancers. In general, the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation genetic test will be a priority done for the people who had a family history record of ovarian or breast cancers. Your saliva and blood will be collected to detect such problems. Make sure to get yourself tested if you want to save your life at the right time.
References
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/brca-gene-test/about/pac-20384815