The BRCA gene test uses a sample of blood, saliva (spit) or cells from inside the cheek to search for BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene configurations that may increase the risk of developing cancer. A gene configuration is referred to as a genetic variant or variation. Not all gene variations are harmful.
Genes are pieces of DNA that you inherit from your own caregiver. They have information that keeps you in control of how you look and how your body functions.BRCA genes update the shattered DNA in your cells and protect you from certain cancers.If there are harmful variants in BRCA genes, they do not function well. There is a possibility that they may not function properly. This increases your risk of cancer.
The most common cancers associated with harmful BRCA variants are
- Breast cancer; BRCA stands for breast cancer. Increased risk of developing breast cancer with major women. However, the risk of breast cancer is higher in men with the harmful BRCA variant than in other men.
- Ovarian cancer. This is cancer of the female reproductive gland from which the test circle forms.
- Prostate cancer. This is cancer of the male reproductive gland that produces fluid for sperm.
- Pancreatic cancer. This is cancer of the pancreas, the organ that helps digest food and produces important hormones for you.
Not everyone with a harmful variant in BRCA1 or BRCA2 will get cancer. And if you wonder if you have a harmful variant, you can take steps to lower your risk and protect your well being.
Other names: BRCA Genalysis, BRCA gene 1, BRCA gene 1, BRCA gene 2, breast cancer gene 1, breast cancer gene 2, breast cancer gene 2.
What is it used for?
This analysis is used to determine if there is a harmful configuration of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. This increases the risk of getting certain forms of cancer, especially breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancer.
Why is BRCA gene testing necessary?
Harmful variants of the BRCA gene are rare. They are met in only 0.2% of Americans. Therefore, BRCA testing is not recommended for most people.
You and your family are more likely to have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 variant if someone in your family has breast or ovarian cancer. if you are concerned that you may have a harmful variant of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, your care provider or care provider can show you your own BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene or that of a family member. a genetic Your counselor can look at your own health status and that of your family. You can see if you need this test.
In general, it is fundamentally important to talk to your health care provider about BRCA testing whether your own health situation or that of a family uncle involves this.
- Breast cancer, more:
- Under age 50
- In both breasts
- With men
- Triple breast cancer with limited curative options, including chemotherapy and surgery
When considering your own family situation, consider bilateral breast, ovarian, prostate, and pancreatic cancers in your family. And think about your grandparents, caregivers, aunts and uncles, siblings, half-siblings, cousins, and grandchildren often.
What happens during the BRCA gene test?
During a BRCA test, a blood, saliva, or cheek sample can be taken.
For the blood test: the health care provider will use a small needle to draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood is collected into a test tube or vial. Some pressure can be felt as the needle goes in and out. This usually takes less than 5 minutes.
For saliva tests: spit into a container or use a cotton pad to suck the saliva.
For a cheek smear: the nurse will spread the inside of the cheek with a small instrument to remove some cells. You may also be able to do this yourself.
There is a test kit available at home. This allows you to collect a saliva sample and send it to a laboratory for testing. The analysis checks for the three most popular harmful variants of the BRCA gene. However, there are over 1000 popular variants. Therefore, there is no opportunity to rule out the possibility of having a variant in the home analysis. Ask your supplier if a home test is right for you.
Do you need to prepare for the test?
For the blood test: no special substances are required.
For the saliva test: you must stop eating, drinking, or smoking 30 minutes before the test. Follow all instructions received from the supplier or from a note at home.
For the buccal mucus test: You will be asked to wash your food for the test.
With any type of genetic What you may face during the test a genetic Your initial consultant will check to see if the test is right for you. The consultant may write down the advantages and disadvantages to learn more about your risk of cancer. After the test, the consultant can help you with medical and sensory results that will have consequences for you and your family.
Were there any risks in the test?
There are no sufficient risks associated with blood tests. The area where the needle is inserted can be slightly sore or bruised, but most signs disappear quickly.
There are virtually no risks associated with giving a saliva reference or having a masone on the cheek.
What do the results mean?
Your provider or genetic Your consultant should explain how your results affect your risk of certain forms of cancer. The meaning of your test results will depend on the distinct variants you have and your own health situation and that of your house.
In general, you can report your results based on these definitions
- A negative (normal) result means that the analysis has not found substantial adverse changes in the BRCA gene. How this affects the risk of cancer depends on whether you already have cancer and whether your family has the harmful BRCA variant.
- Uncertain results are sometimes referred to as “variants of indefinite significance” (VUS). This means that a variant has been found in the BRCA gene, but scientists do not know if the variant causes cancer.
- A positive result is also called a “possible pathogenic variant”. This means that there are harmful genetic variants known to increase the risk of certain forms of cancer. However, the analysis will not tell you if you have cancer.
Is there anything else I should know about the BRCA gene test?
If your results indicate that you have a harmful variant of the BRCA gene, talk to your own doctor about ways to lower your cancer risk. You will be able to talk ..:
- Cancer Screening Schedule. Have you had to be tested previously for cancer, and more often than usual? These are important questions for any adult who has an adverse BRCA variant.
- Certain medications and surgeries are taken to reduce the risk of cancer. Surgery, for example, can remove both the breast and/or ovaries and fallopian tubes.
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