Were you aware that 5% to 10% of breast cancers in the U.S. are linked to an inherited genetic mutation?

Could genetic testing for breast cancer help women catch breast cancer earlier?

Mutation is a change in the genetic code of a gene which affects its function. Inherited genes can be passed from a parent to a child; some of these may increase the chance of breast or ovarian cancer.

Breast Cancer Genes 1 and 2 are also known as BRCA1 and BRCA2. BRCA1 and BRCA2 create tumor suppressor proteins.

If any of these genes are mutated so that its protein product isn’t made or not working correctly, there’s a chance DNA damage could not be properly repaired.

This is where genetic testing for breast cancer may help.

The gene test uses DNA examination to detect harmful alterations in any one of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. It gives people the chance to learn if their family history of Breast Cancer is due to these inherited genetic mutations.

It is offered to those who are more likely to have an inherited mutation based on family or personal history.

There are several different tests that help detect the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation.

Some of these tests search for a familiar mutation in one of the genes; while others look for all mutations in both genes. They need DNA from a blood sample so that it may be sent to a laboratory for analysis. Results typically take several weeks to return.

If you have a family history of breast cancer or would like to undergo genetic testing for breast cancer, be sure to speak to your physician about it.