BRCA Testing

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KEY POINTS

• A BRCA test is a way to check for changes in genes that increase your risk for certain cancers.
• The test is done only if you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with cancer, or if someone in your family knows they have changes in the BRCA genes.
• Your healthcare provider or a genetic counselor will discuss the test with you. If there is a problem, they will help you to understand the problem. They will describe your choices for prevention or treatment.

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What is a BRCA test?

A BRCA test is a blood test that checks for changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Genes are in each cell of your body. They contain the information that tells your body how to develop and work. Changes in the genes can be passed from parents to children.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes normally make proteins that help keep tumor cells from growing. If you have inherited a change in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, it increases your risk for breast, ovarian, pancreatic, and prostate cancer. Changes in these genes are not common, and many people with changes in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes will never have cancer.

Why is this test done?

BRCA tests are not done as a way to screen for cancer. The BRCA test is done only for one of these reasons:

• Other family members have been diagnosed with certain types of cancer.
• You have been diagnosed with certain types of cancer.
• You have a family member who has changes in the BRCA genes.

How do I prepare for this test?

Usually you do not need to fast or stop taking any medicines before this test. However, it is a good idea to talk with a genetic counselor before you have this test. The results of this test will affect other people in your family too. For example:

• If you have inherited the changed genes, it means that your siblings are likely to have changes in these genes also. They may have a higher risk for cancer.
• If you have changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, you may pass the changes on to your children.
• A positive test result can cause anxiety, depression, and conflict in your family.

How is the test done?

Having this test will take just a few minutes. Usually, a small amount of blood is taken from a vein in your arm with a needle. The blood is collected in tubes and sent to a lab. Sometimes a sample of saliva or tissue from a biopsy is sent to the lab instead.

Ask your healthcare provider when and how you will get the result of your test.

What do the test results mean?

A positive test result that you have inherited a harmful change in BRCA1 or BRCA2. This means that you have a higher risk of developing certain cancers. A positive test result does not mean that you will develop cancer.

A negative test result for BRCA1 or BRCA2 means that your risk for the types of cancer caused by BRCA gene changes is no higher than for people with no family history.

Even if your BRCA tests are negative, other genes may have changes that can increase your or your family's risk for cancer. Scientists have not yet identified all the gene changes that might relate to cancer.

What if my test results are not normal?

Test results are only one part of a larger picture that takes into account your medical history and current health. Sometimes a test needs to be repeated to check the first result. Talk to your healthcare provider about your results and ask questions such as:

• If you need more tests or more frequent screening
• What kind of treatment you might need, including having your breasts or ovaries removed to help prevent cancer
• What lifestyle, diet, or other changes you might need to make

For more information, see:

• Breastcancer.org
  http://www.breastcancer.org