+353 (1) 685 6929 Perhaps one of the most popular cases of preventive double mastectomy is the one actress Angelina Jolie did back in 2013 following the diagnosis of her BRCA mutation. While everyone — male and female — has BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, some people have inherited gene mutations, which increase their risk of getting breast cancer.
According to the Susan G. Komen foundation, a moderate risk gene mutation increases a woman’s likelihood to get breast cancer by 20% to 49%, while a high risk mutation can increase it by 50% or higher. Aside from breast cancer, researchers have been able to associate specific genetic mutations with about 50 hereditary cancer syndromes.
Genetic testing for breast cancer risk assessment
Everyone has BRCA genes, but not everyone is considered to be a candidate for a genetic predisposition test. In fact, only about 5% to 10% of cancer cases are hereditary and 1 in 300 women have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.
According to Susan Brown, senior director of education and support at Susan G. Komen, the first step in determining whether you carry a gene mutation is to study your personal family history and identify medical conditions that seem to run in the family.
Armed with this information, the next step is to see your doctor. If your doctor or health care provider thinks you might have inherited a gene mutation, they will refer you to genetic counselling services. Your genetic counsellor will then talk to you about your family’s medical history and genetic inheritance patterns.
Depending on your case, they may also talk to you about your options for risk mitigation and disease preventing, and this may include undergoing a DNA test. Your genetic counsellor may recommend that you take a test to, for example, specifically assess your genetic predisposition for breast cancer.
What’s next after genetic testing
Following your assessment of your genetic risk, upon confirmation that you are, indeed, carrying a gene mutation, it is crucial that you start undergoing annual cancer screenings. There are also other preventive options you can consider, such as mastectomy — the step Angelina Jolie famously took.
While the health system is known to focus on the treatment of various diseases, you can be in better control of your health and your life by taking preventive measures. Taking a clinical DNA test and undergoing yearly cancer screenings cost money, but they are a far better alternative than actually getting the disease and having to pay for costlier treatments.
Aside from potentially saving you money, early risk assessment and preventive measures can also save you from the stress and anxiety of either ending up getting the disease or constantly second-guessing your body and waiting for symptoms to appear.
At EasyDNA, we can assist you should you require more information about genetic testing for breast cancer. Contact us for more information.
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