Test Overview
A genetic test can check for changes in the genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2. This test can help you know your chance of getting breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Testing for changes in these genes does not test for cancer itself.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that help control normal cell growth. Sometimes, people inherit changes in one of these genes. These changes are called mutations. If you inherit a mutation in a BRCA (say "BRAH-kuh") gene, you have a greater risk of breast and ovarian cancers as well as some other cancers, such as prostate and pancreatic cancers.
You can inherit the gene changes from either birth parent's side of the family.
Your doctor may talk to you about testing based on your family medical history or your personal medical history.
If you are concerned that you may have a BRCA gene change, talk with your doctor. You can have genetic testing to find out if you have the BRCA mutation. A doctor or genetic counselor can talk to you about testing options. These may include a multi-gene panel test that looks at many genes related to cancer risk.
There are some important things to keep in mind.
- A negative BRCA result does not guarantee that you will not get breast cancer. BRCA gene changes do increase the risk of breast cancer. But there are other gene changes that may cause cancer, too.
- Most insurance companies will cover the cost of genetic testing if you meet the conditions for testing.
- Finding out that you have a BRCA gene change should not affect your ability to get a job or get health insurance. In the United States, there is a law called the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA). It protects people who have DNA differences. This law does not cover life insurance, disability insurance, or long-term care insurance.
It is very important to have genetic counseling both before and after this test. It can help you understand the benefits, risks, and possible outcomes of the test.
