Breast cancer is a malignant growth that begins in the breast tissue. Breast cancer is more prevalent in women, although men can get it too. After skin cancer, breast cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer in women, according to the Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.
If you are a woman at substantial risk because of family history, consider genetic testing.
When Is Geneting Testing Performed?
A significant family history of this type of cancer is defined as an individual who has two or more close family members who have had breast cancer: mother, father, sister, brother, grandparent, aunts and uncles. A family history of breast cancer does not necessarily mean you will develop breast cancer; it does put you at greater risk, according to the National Cancer Institute.
What is Tested For?
Doctors analyze your genes to look for specific mutations. In breast cancer, these mutations occur in the BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 genes, which can be passed on from either your mother or father. If a mutation is found, a patient is monitored closely with mammograms and breast examinations in order to catch breast cancer in its earliest stages. Not all individuals who have these mutations will develop breast cancer. Some are simply carriers of the mutation, which means they can pass the mutated genes onto offspring. Mutations in these genes cause approximately 5 to 10 percent of all breast cancers, according to the American Cancer Institute.
Other Mutations
Other gene mutations cause breast cancer, too. Mutations in the genes TP53, PTEN, STK11/LBK1, CDH1, CHEK2, ATM, MLH1 and MSH2 also predispose you to breast cancer, although mutations in these genes are responsible for fewer breast cancer cases than the BRAC genes (American Cancer Society, 2009).
Cost of Genetic Testing
Genetic testing can range in cost anywhere from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars. Coverage varies by insurer and policy. A patient identified as having the BRAC gene may potentially pay higher premiums for insurance, although the legality of this has not been established or tested as of 2009.
Gene Testing and Therapy
Women who have no current signs or symptoms of breast cancer but have a significant history of the cancer in their family should undergo genetic testing. Although it may be scary to know you have these mutated genes, with cancer it is always better to know sooner than later. Cancer is often incurable in its later stages, but in its earlier stages is curable with treatments, according to the American Cancer Society.
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