BRCA Testing

BRCA testing can help you learn about your risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer

Some people with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer may want to consider BRCA testing. Using a blood or saliva sample, this test can identify DNA changes. These changes suggest that someone has a higher risk of certain types of cancer.

At Live Oak Women’s Health, our San Antonio OBGYNs believe in cancer prevention and proactive screening. As a result, our team can help you decide if it makes sense to test for BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations.

What is BRCA testing?

BRCA testing looks for harmful mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These genes make proteins that help repair damaged DNA and prevent cancer. However, these genes can sometimes have mutations, which can increase your risk of developing cancer.

  • The risk of developing breast cancer is higher if you have BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.
  • These genetic mutations can also increase the risk of ovarian cancer. However, BRCA1 is more likely than BRCA2 to increase this cancer risk.
  • The risk of prostate or pancreatic cancer also increases with BRCA mutations.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations aren’t the only things that can raise your risk of developing cancer. For this reason, it can be wise to select a multigene panel test to look at BRCA1, BRCA2 and other genes.

What can BRCA genetic test results tell me?

It’s important to know what BRCA testing can and cannot tell you. It cannot predict whether you will or will not get cancer someday. However, this testing can let you know if you have a higher risk of developing certain cancers.

  • A positive BRCA test means the test found a genetic mutation that increases your risk of getting cancer.
  • A negative BRCA test means the test did not find harmful genetic changes in the tested genes. However, it is still possible to have a harmful change that has yet to be discovered.

The best way to determine whether testing is right for you, and what your results mean, is to meet with a genetic counselor before and after testing.

How do I know if I need BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing?

Parents can unknowingly pass harmful genetic changes on to their children. This includes BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations. As such, testing may make sense if you have specific risk factors.

  • A close biological relative (parent, brother, sister, grandparent or cousin) who has had breast cancer, especially at or before age 50
  • A close biological relative who has had ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer
  • A close biological relative with a positive BRCA genetic test
  • Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry (even without a family history of cancer)

Our San Antonio OBGYNs also recommend exploring genetic testing if you have a personal history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer. Testing can help determine if BRCA mutations are responsible.

The Live Oak Women’s Health team is here to help you explore your genetic testing options. Our OBGYNs can also help you take a proactive approach to your health with annual wellness exams and cancer screenings. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get started.

Because BRCA gene mutations can pass from parent to child, you should consider testing if you have a family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer. You should also consider testing if a close relative had a positive BRCA genetic test.

If you have a personal history of cancer or Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, you may also want to look into this type of genetic testing.

BRCA testing cannot tell you whether you will get cancer someday. It also cannot guarantee that you won’t get cancer in the future. It can only let you know if you have a specific known genetic mutation that raises your risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer.

Yes, other genetic mutations can increase the risk of developing breast cancer. While researchers have identified many of these mutations, they are still trying to find others.