GENE TESTING FOR BREAST CANCER
There is much interest in genetic testing to identify genetic mutations that are associated with developing breast cancer. The most well-known genes are the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Michelle can talk to you about genetic testing for breast cancer. She can order a “Hereditary Breast Cancer Panel” test which looks at 11 important genes linked to a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Knowing your results can help guide decisions about surgery and treatment. This test is also helpful for close family members of someone who carries a known gene mutation to understand their own risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.
HOW DO I GET TESTED?
The test is performed by giving a saliva sample which you can take when convenient which is simple, quick, easy, with step-by-step instructions. Testing takes 15 working days from the time that the sample arrives at the laboratory.
WHAT GENES ARE ANALYSED?
11 genes are analysed:
ATM, BARD1, BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, PALB2, PTEN, RAD51C, RAD51D, STK11, TP53
UNDERSTANDING YOUR RESULTS?
There are three possible outcomes from this test:
The test results may come back negative. This means that the test has not identified any faults in the genes analysed. So, you are not at an increased risk of any of the common cancers caused by a known inherited fault in the genes we have tested.
The test result could show you have a Variant of Uncertain Significance, an inconclusive result. Also known as a VUS. If you have a variant of uncertain significance or VUS, this means a variant of uncertain significance has been identified in one of the genes analysed.
The other possible outcome may show you have a variant detected test result i.e. a positive result. This means that a fault in one or more of your genes has been found, which shows you have an increased risk of developing a particular cancer. If this is the case, Michelle will be able to talk to you about next steps, whether you are considering breast surgery, chemoprophylaxis, or enhanced MRI surveillance.
WHO IS THE TEST FOR?
This test is for over 18-year-olds only. It is suitable for individuals affected or unaffected by a current breast cancer diagnosis.
