Had genetic testing five or more years ago? You may need to do it again

If breast and/or ovarian cancer run in your family, you might have talked to your doctor and arranged for genetic counseling and testing five or more years ago for BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations.

You might now be surprised to learn that you should seriously consider having the counseling and testing done again said HonorHealth Genetic Counselor Dana Brown.

Over the last five years, "scientists have discovered additional inherited factors that can increase cancer risk," Dana says. "Anyone who was previously tested or told they were not a candidate for testing should inquire about updated genetic counseling and testing."

Had genetic testing 5 or more years ago? You may need to do it again

"In the past, women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent were often tested only for three specific BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. These women have a higher risk of mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. We now know that risk is not only for those three mutations, but for others as well," Dana continues. "It's important to determine what the testing included to decide if additional testing might be helpful."

Importance of BRCA gene mutations

  • In 1994, scientists discovered mutations in the BRCA1 gene, soon followed by the discovery of mutations in the BRCA2 gene that are associated with inherited cancer risk. Both genes direct cell growth, cell division and repair of DNA. If a mutation, or mistake, disrupts these important functions, breast and/or other cancers can develop. People with an inherited mutation of BRCA1 or BRCA2 have higher risks of: breast, ovarian, pancreatic and possibly other cancers.
  • Cancer at an early age
  • Cancer in both breasts
  • More than one type of cancer in their lifetime, such as ovarian/fallopian tube and peritoneal cancer.

Men with a BRCA1 or 2 gene mutation have an increased lifetime risk for breast, prostate and pancreatic cancer, as well as melanoma.

Only about 5 to 10% of women with breast cancer will have a specific inherited risk factor that's part of the cause. Most cancers and family histories of cancer are caused by multiple factors that may include inherited factors, environmental exposures and lifestyle choices. This number may change as scientists discover other less common inherited factors and how they impact cancer risk.

Recognize quality differences in genetic testing

If you're basing a health decision on a genetic test, make sure it's a clinical genetic test from an accredited clinical laboratory, Dana advised, and not one from a direct-to-consumer genetics company. Some direct-to-consumer tests may not be as reliable or may not be correctly interpreted.

"It's like having your blood pressure taken by a machine at a drugstore," Dana continues. "Your doctor will do his or her own blood pressure test and not rely solely on the drugstore test. It's the same with genetic testing."

A genetic counselor — someone with advanced education in genetics and counseling — can help you fully understand what genetic testing can reveal and the impact it could have on you.

Consider genetic counseling and testing at HonorHealth if you:

  • Have a personal history of breast cancer.
  • Have close relatives who've had breast, ovarian, metastatic prostate or pancreatic cancer.
  • Had breast cancer before 50.
  • Have had both breast and ovarian cancer.
  • Have a male relative with breast cancer.
  • Are of eastern European Jewish ancestry.
  • Are a woman with a personal history of ovarian cancer — regardless of your family history.

Next steps

If you're concerned about breast, ovarian and other types of cancer in your family health history, talk to your doctor about genetic counseling and testing at HonorHealth. Check with your insurance company to determine if genetic counseling and testing are covered.

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