Health & Fitness
Who's at Risk for Genetic Breast Cancer and Should You Have BRCA Testing?
Should you be getting tested for the BRCA gene? This is a question all women should know the answer to whether they have had breast cancer or not.
Should you be getting tested for the BRCA gene? This is a question all women should know the answer to whether they have had breast cancer or not.
The BRCA gene is a gene associated with increased risk of getting breast and/or ovarian cancer in your lifetime. You may carry either the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene. Both men and women can carry this gene; men are at increased risk for prostate, pancreatic and breast cancer.
Recent studies have shown that primary care and OB/GYN offices may not be screening their patients correctly and may not be offering genetic testing to everyone who may be at risk for a genetic disorder. So, who should get BRCA testing?
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That’s a great question! Do not assume you are not a candidate for BRCA testing because your healthcare provider did not offer this test to you. Here are some handy guidelines to check to see if you should have BRCA testing.
If you have never had breast cancer, does your family have a history of: breast cancer before age 50, ovarian cancer, two breast cancers in the same person, male breast cancer, triple negative breast cancer, pancreatic cancer with breast and/or ovarian cancer in same person or side of family, Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry with breast, ovarian or pancreatic cancer on same side of family, or history of a relative who is BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 positive? If any of this applies to you then contact your healthcare provider for further counseling.
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What about if you already had a breast cancer? Any woman diagnosed with breast cancer prior to age 50 should have BRCA testing regardless of family history. Women who developed breast cancer after 50 would be a candidate if they have any of the above family history.
As always, My Breast Cancer Answers wants to provide you with knowledge, so you can be your own healthcare advocate. Know your risk factors for carrying the BRCA gene and address BRCA testing with your healthcare provider, so you may be tested if you are at risk for carrying the BRCA gene.
Remember to stop by www.mybreastcanceranswers.com and join our friendly forum to connect with other women! We look forward to having you as a member of our community.
Click this link for a printable BRCA assessment sheet