BRACAnalysis® is a genetic test that confirms the presence of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation. BRCA mutations are responsible for the majority of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. People with a mutation in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene have risks of up to 87% for developing breast cancer and up to 44% for developing ovarian cancer by age 70. Mutation carriers previously diagnosed with cancer also have a significantly increased risk of developing a second primary cancer. Genetic testing, specifically the BRACAnalysis test, identifies patients who have these mutations. BRACAnalysis is a simple blood test or oral rinse sample to find out if you have the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Knowing the results may help you and your healthcare provider act before cancer has a chance to develop.
Medical Management and BRACAnalysis
If BRACAnalysis testing confirms the presence of a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, the following medical management options may help reduce cancer risk and may either delay the onset of cancer, detect cancer at an earlier, more treatable stage or may even prevent it.
- Increased surveillance for breast cancer in mutation carriers
- Increased surveillance for ovarian cancer in mutation carriers
- Risk-reducing medications for mutation carriers
- Prophylactic surgery in mutation carriers
NOTE: Any discussion of medical management options is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation. While genetic testing and medical society guidelines provide important and useful information, medical management decisions should be made based on consultation between each patient and his or her healthcare provider.
*This above information furnished by Myriad, the developer of BRAC testing.