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BRCA-1, BRCA-2 (Breast Cancer Genes)

BRCA 1, 2, Breast Cancer 1, 2 Test, Breast Cancer

Instructions

The tests for BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 mutations are available through the BEAUMONT CANCER GENETICS PROGRAM.

The Beaumont Cancer Genetics Program was established in the Breast Care Center in December, 2004, under the medical direction of Dana Zakalik, M.D. The goal of the program is to provide patients with the most up-to-date information about hereditary cancer risk and guidelines for cancer screening and treatment.

Each year close to 200,000 women in the United States are diagnosed with breast cancer. Family history is known to be a very important risk factor for the development of breast cancer. Approximately one-third of patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer have a family history and it is estimated that 5-10% of all breast cancers are caused by a known mutation in a breast cancer susceptibility gene. Two such genes are BRCA-1 and BRCA-2. In order to determine whether an individual has an inherited genetic predisposition to the development of breast cancer or ovarian cancer, we are able to offer a blood test to look for the mutation in specific genes. The presence of a mutation in BRCA-1 or BRCA-2 could increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer in her lifetime by close to ten-fold.

At Beaumont, individuals with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer are offered the option of genetic counseling and testing. Certain aspects of the family history would serve as clues to the possibility of inherited breast cancer susceptibility. They include:

• Two or more family members with breast cancer at an early age (under age 50)
• Ovarian cancer at any age
• Bilateral breast cancer (e.g. cancer in both breasts)
• Male breast cancer
• Individuals from certain ethnic groups are also known to have a higher likelihood of having a BRCA mutation

During the patient's initial visit to the clinic, the genetic counselor will include a review of the personal and family medical history, a discussion of the role genes play in the development of cancer, personalized risk assessment for hereditary cancer, description of the genetic testing process and information about cancer risk reduction and prevention strategies. The family history is carefully detailed and the risk of carrying a mutation is determined and carefully discussed.

Test results are available in three to four weeks at which time the patient returns for a thorough discussion of future management recommendations and risk reduction strategies with the physician.

To schedule an appointment for genetic counseling and the Beaumont Cancer Genetics Program at either the Royal Oak or Troy Beaumont facility, call 248-551-3388. Genetic counseling is necessary prior to having this test performed.

The tests for BRCA1 and BRCA2 are not available through the Clinical Pathology Send-Out Laboratory.

This test should not be confused with the BCR-Gene Rearrangement test that is done in the Clinical Molecular Pathology Laboratory.

Contacts

Last Updated

4/8/2024