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In reply to the discussion: I am sad and nervous. I went to the Breast Cancer Center this afternoon for my six month check up for a lump in my right [View all]
IA8IT
(6,450 posts)A few have had surgery after testing positive others increase testing frequency.
BRCA gene test looks for DNA changes that increase the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer
https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/brca-gene-test/about/pac-20384815
The BRCA gene test looks for DNA changes that increase the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. It uses a sample of blood or saliva to look for the changes.
DNA is the genetic material inside cells. It holds the instructions, called genes, that tell cells what to do. Harmful changes in the genes can increase the risk of cancer. Healthcare professionals sometimes call these gene changes variants or mutations.
The BRCA gene test looks for changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Other genes also can increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Some genetic tests look for these other genes in addition to the BRCA genes. A genetic test that looks at many different genes is called a multigene panel test.
A healthcare professional can help you decide whether genetic testing is right for you. The gene changes that increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer are passed from parents to children. So the health professional considers your personal and family history of cancer when making a recommendation. Genetic testing isn't routinely done on people with an average risk of breast and ovarian cancer.
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