Smiling group of women

Should all women get tested for the BRCA mutation?

BRCA stands for breast cancer susceptibility genes, a class of genes that are tumor suppressors. Mutations of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes have been linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

According to the National Cancer Institute, about 12 percent of women in the general population will develop breast cancer sometime during their lives. By contrast, more than 60 percent of women who inherit a BRCA1 mutation risk developing breast cancer by age 70.

Only about 1.4 percent of women in the general population will develop ovarian cancer. By contrast, 39-58 percent of women who inherit a BRCA1 mutation and 13-29 percent of women who inherit a BRCA2 mutation will develop ovarian cancer by age 70.

To determine if you carry the BRCA gene, get to know your family history. If there is a first or second degree connection to breast or ovarian cancer in the family, your risk for being diagnosed with cancer is increased.

Women with family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer are encouraged to talk to their doctor and seek genetic counseling and testing.

Genetic counseling and testing help assess hereditary risk of cancer and are trained to help women determine what screenings may benefit them and protect their health.

Seeking consultation with a specialist will help you understand your risk and the risk-reducing options available to you.

Genetic counselors are also trained to help women deal with what comes after a positive screening reveals they are at risk for cancer.

Women can then determine what options are available to them in order to monitor and/or reduce cancer risk.

Preventive surgeries are not the only option for women who receive a positive test result for a BRCA mutation.

While removing the tubes and ovaries is advised once child bearing is complete, screening tests and other risk reducing options are available to women who want to delay surgical intervention.

For more information about BRCA mutations and genetic counseling and testing for cancer, check our website or call 317-621-8988.