BRCA Tests

Regular controls and early discovery of changes, reduce the risk of developing breast cancer to a minimum, while an early detection of a genetic predisposition makes it possible to prevent the development of cancer in 95% of the cases.

Bearing in mind that up to one fourth of breast malignancies are hereditary, early detection of genetic mutations which can cause breast and ovarian cancer, is the best way to prevent the development of the disease.

Genes responsible for the development of these two types of  tumors are BRCA and BRCA 2, i.e. their mutations. The likelihood of passing on this gene to a child is 50%. It has been established that 20% of women who carry the BRCA mutation will develop breast cancer by the age of 40, 51% by the age of 50 and 87% by the age of 60. Beside the above, women who carry this genetic factor, are at risk of developing tumors on both breasts, regardless whether at any given moment the doctor in a health institute discovered changes on only one. For genetic testing of BRCA mutations only a small blood sample is needed, i.e. DNA derived from it, while results are ready in five to seven days.

For the first time it is possible to find out in time whether a person  is at risk of developing hereditary breast cancer with a DNA analysis. It is important to say that the carriers of the mutation have an increased risk of a relapse (not as metastasis) on the other breast, despite removing the tumor from one breast. This is incredibly rare in sporadic, i.e. non-hereditary cancer.

Women with the mutation of the BRCA gene can have a preventive mastectomy, which even though invasive, will partially preserve the breast tissue, while operating on an already developed cancer often requires larger and deeper operations (removal of the lymphatic system, and very often nerve injuries). If she is aware of the risk on time, in keeping with that information a woman can plan to have children before the mastectomy, followed by a restoration of the natural appearance of breasts thanks to progress in esthetic reconstructive surgery.

The BRCA gene mutation can be passed on to male descendants.  However, that doesn’t mean that during their lifetime they will develop breast cancer or any other cancer connected with the BRCA gene, however they can pass these genes on to their female descendants. Still, we should note that a link has been established between the BRCA gene mutation and the possibility of acquiring prostate cancer.

Advantages of Genetic Testing of BRCA Mutations

1. Women with breast cancer can respond better to certain  treatments especially designed for BRCA positive patients

2. Women can undertake preventive measures in order to reduce their risk of breast cancer if their test is positive for BRCA mutations (such as a change of lifestyle as far as nutrition is concerned, physical activities, regular self check-ups, frequent medical check-ups and mammography)

3. Other family members can be tested for BRCA mutations (especially children who have a 50% chance to inherit the genetic mutation which their parents carry)

Risk Factors:

1. Breast cancer in one or a number of close relatives (mother, sister…)

2. Early detection of breast cancer in a family member (before the age of 50)

3. History of breast cancer in more than one generation

4. Tumor in both breasts of one or a number of family members

5. Pancreatic tumor in a family member