Should I've a gene test done for breast & ovarian cancer?
Should I've a gene test done for breast & ovarian cancer
A breast cancer gene test can help women find out if they have inherited a gene change that can make them much more likely to get breast or ovarian cancer. The test looks for changes, or mutations, in two genes that are related to breast and ovarian cancer. The two genes are called BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA stands for BReast CAncer). Changes in these BRCA (say "BRAH-kuh") genes are rare, but having one greatly increases your chances of getting breast and ovarian cancer.
Most women do not need this test. It is only recommended for women who have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer. You need to find out if you have a strong family history before you think about having a gene test.
Consider the following when making your decision:
Most women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer-even a strong family history-do not have BRCA gene changes. But if you have a gene change, your risk is even higher than if you had a family history without gene changes.1
Not everyone who inherits a BRCA gene change will get cancer.
Both men and women can inherit a BRCA gene change and pass it on to their children.
A BRCA gene test can be one thing you consider when deciding what steps you need to take to lower your chances of getting cancer. Depending on how high your chances of getting cancer are, those steps may include having checkups more often, taking medicine, or having your breasts and/or ovaries removed.
The test itself is simple. It involves taking a small sample of your blood and sending it to a special lab. But the results-whether positive or negative-could have a big effect on your life. So before you have the test, your doctor will have you talk to an expert called a genetic counselor. This expert can help you understand your chances of getting breast cancer and ovarian cancer, help you decide whether to be tested, and help you make good decisions after the test.
Genetic testing can cost thousands of dollars. Your health insurance may not cover the cost.
A breast cancer gene test can help women find out if they have inherited a gene change that can make them much more likely to get breast or ovarian cancer. The test looks for changes, or mutations, in two genes that are related to breast and ovarian cancer. The two genes are called BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA stands for BReast CAncer). Changes in these BRCA (say "BRAH-kuh") genes are rare, but having one greatly increases your chances of getting breast and ovarian cancer.
Most women do not need this test. It is only recommended for women who have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer. You need to find out if you have a strong family history before you think about having a gene test.
Consider the following when making your decision:
Most women with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer-even a strong family history-do not have BRCA gene changes. But if you have a gene change, your risk is even higher than if you had a family history without gene changes.1
Not everyone who inherits a BRCA gene change will get cancer.
Both men and women can inherit a BRCA gene change and pass it on to their children.
A BRCA gene test can be one thing you consider when deciding what steps you need to take to lower your chances of getting cancer. Depending on how high your chances of getting cancer are, those steps may include having checkups more often, taking medicine, or having your breasts and/or ovaries removed.
The test itself is simple. It involves taking a small sample of your blood and sending it to a special lab. But the results-whether positive or negative-could have a big effect on your life. So before you have the test, your doctor will have you talk to an expert called a genetic counselor. This expert can help you understand your chances of getting breast cancer and ovarian cancer, help you decide whether to be tested, and help you make good decisions after the test.
Genetic testing can cost thousands of dollars. Your health insurance may not cover the cost.
Labels: cancer, ovarian, Should I've a gene test done for breast
posted by G S Iyer at 10:37 PM
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