Genetic Testing: Points to Consider
What is genetic testing for cancer risk?
Genetic testing is a process in which it is possible to look for genetic alterations that may be associated with an increased risk of particular cancers. Genetic testing may reveal whether the cancer risk in a family is passed through their genes.
Although the lab test itself is quite complex, only a blood sample is needed. Genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer risk involves looking for altered genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2.
Because finding an altered gene can take several weeks or months, test results may not be readily available. The price of testing also varies. The price can be quite high and may not be covered by health insurance, or you may not want your insurance company to know you were tested. Ask your doctor or other health professionals for more information on genetic testing and health insurance coverage.
What are the limitations of the test?
Testing for breast cancer risk will not give you a simple "yes" or "no" answer. Finding a gene alteration in BRCA1 or BRCA2 indicates an increased risk of getting cancer, but it will not indicate if or when cancer will develop.
Currently, altered genes cannot be "fixed," but some day research may make it possible to prevent the disease in people who carry an altered gene.
What can I do if I have an altered gene?
If you are at increased risk for breast or ovarian cancer, you can make choices that may help reduce your risk of getting cancer or help find cancer early. Of course, you can take these steps with or without getting tested for a BRCA1 or BRCA2 alteration.
Increased surveillance: You may choose to be monitored more closely for any sign of cancer. This may include more frequent mammograms, breast exams by your doctor, breast self-exams, and an ultrasound exam of the ovaries.
Prophylactic surgery: You may choose to have your healthy breasts and/or ovaries removed. This surgery may reduce the risk of cancer, but doctors do not know by how much. Because the surgery cannot remove all of the breast or ovarian tissue, some women who have chosen this surgery have later developed breast or ovarian cancer in the tissue that was left behind.
Join a research study: Because it is not yet possible to prevent cancer, you may choose to join a research study that is looking at ways to reduce cancer risk. This may entail changing your diet, reducing the amount of alcohol you drink, or trying new drugs to reduce the risk of cancer.
What we know now about cancer is due in large part to research. By taking part in a study, you could help researchers find better ways of preventing and treating cancer.
Information from the National Cancer Institute
www.cancer.gov.
