Genetic Testing and Breast Cancer Treatment

Genetic Testing and Breast Cancer

Hello, everyone. If you’ve ever wondered how your genes can impact your risk of breast cancer, stick around. We’ll break it down for you in just a few minutes!”

Genetic testing for breast cancer involves looking into your DNA to see if you have certain gene changes that increase your risk of developing breast cancer. The most commonly tested and well-known genes related to breast cancer are BRCA1 and BRCA2. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that help repair damaged DNA. When they have mutations, they don’t work properly, which can lead to an increased risk of breast cancer. The American Cancer Society recommends genetic testing for all people with a personal history of breast cancer, regardless of age or family history.

Who Should Get Genetic Testing?

If you have a history of ovarian cancer at any age or a first-degree or second-degree relative with ovarian cancer
or if your first-degree relatives were diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50
or have two or a more first-degree relative diagnosed with breast cancer at any age
if there is a history of breast cancer in a male relative
and if you have breast cancer at age 60 or younger with triple-negative breast cancer

This test helps assess the potential risks of developing cancer in the future if you don’t already have it, predicts the likelihood of cancer recurrence, and determines the most suitable form of therapy, including the potential benefits of chemotherapy.

Hope this was helpful. Talk to your doctor to know more.