The Genetic Testing of Breast Cancer Society’s DNA Cancer Genomic Program has made great strides in recent years. Through careful molecular studies of genetic information on tumors, researchers have identified genetic alterations that are associated with cancer, thus offering a new way to screen for it and treat it. The latest genetics tests are a DNA blood test that examines DNA sequence to identify dangerous mutations within either of the two main breast cancer risk genes, BRCA1 or BRCA2 that can be detected by a genetic testing of breast cancer. Those who carry genetic abnormalities in either of these genes are at a higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers than the average population.
In the case of BRCA1, mutations result from defective DNA coding that results in mutations that affect the cells’ normal function of producing proteins. A woman carrying a mutation in BRCA2 has a much lower risk of developing both breast and ovarian cancers. A DNA test can reveal genetic abnormalities associated with breast and ovarian cancers by analyzing DNA obtained from blood, saliva, or a sample of bodily fluids.
In addition, the DNA test can help to determine the likelihood of developing several types of cancer. One type of cancer can be genetically linked to the other. Genetic testing of breast cancer can help to determine the risk of developing several different types of breast cancer. For example, if a woman carries mutations in BRCA genes that increase her risk of developing the more aggressive stages of breast cancer, she can then undergo mammogram screening for this cancer to determine whether there is a greater chance that she would develop a more aggressive stage of the disease. However, if the DNA shows only a minimal increase in risk of breast or ovarian cancers, then further research may be required to determine whether it also indicates a reduced likelihood of developing prostate cancer.
Although researchers have found that some women may be genetically predisposed to developing multiple types of cancer, genetic testing of breast cancer offers an opportunity to determine the overall risk that a person has for developing one particular type of cancer and not necessarily all the types of cancers. For example, the test can determine whether a woman is at an increased risk for developing breast, ovarian, colon, stomach, or prostate cancers if she has at least one mutation in both of these genes, or if she carries only one mutation in a gene for a particular type of cancer. However, the test cannot provide an exact risk estimate because it does not provide complete information about a person’s cancer risk for developing cancer in general. It can only provide information about an individual person’s risk for having a specific type of cancer.
The genetic testing of breast cancer was first introduced in the 1980s, when researchers were looking to test the effects of radiation treatments on breast and ovarian cancers. This testing was then used more commonly in cases of leukemia and lymphomas where researchers wanted to look for a marker associated with one type of cancer. Today, it is used more widely in cases of cancer in the breast. The test has been successfully used to help determine the probability of a person developing breast, colon, stomach and colon cancer, Hodgkin’s disease, uterine cancer, kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer and skin cancer.
genetic testing of breast cancer has helped researchers identify certain genetic abnormalities as a cause of cancer in both men and women. For instance, genetic testing has led to better identification of specific genes linked to bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, esophageal cancer, leukemia.
Do You Or Any Of Your Family Members, (Children, Grandchildren, Parents, Siblings) Have Any Of The Following Problems?
Then you should take our No Cost / No Obligation simple 4 question survey to see if you possibly qualify for genetic testing.
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Other genetic tests use data from blood tests, saliva or urine samples to determine an individual’s risk for developing cancer. Including the risk for developing esophageal cancer, lymphoma and pancreatic cancer. However, a genetic testing of breast cancer can be a great risk estimate to see if you can develop cancer of the breast..
Genetic testing of breast cancer does not always reveal the full picture about an individual’s risk. But the results obtained through genetic testing can give you a genetic outlook on how you have been living your life and whether you should think about changing your lifestyle. The accuracy of a genetic test depends on the individual who will be tested. The test may reveal a significant number of mutations in a particular gene. It’s important to remember that a person’s genetic makeup is a dynamic process.
My father died with a heart attack and I have always worried if I am at risk. Genetic testing for potential heart problems gives me a sense of relief to determine my future health issues.
Multiple members of my family have died from cancer and it has been a real worry for me. With cancer genetic testing I can know my potential risks involving cancer.
My mother had a severe reaction to several drugs she was taking. By utilizing genetic testing for possible drug combinations that could hurt her, her doctor can now make changes to eliminate future problems.