How BRACAnalysis Tests for Breast Cancer

Genetic Testing for the Disease

Sep 30, 2009 Jennifer Marsh

BRACAnalysis is a new development that tests patients for mutations in genes that lead to breast cancer.

It’s been known for a while in the medical community that a patient’s family history plays a large part in the chances for breast cancer. Two genes are responsible for breast cancer. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes encode proteins that can lead to breast cancer in women. BRACAnalysis is a new test that chemically analyzes this gene to detect if the patient is susceptible for the disease. This test is specific to breast cancer and is a reputable, formal way to detect the possibility of breast cancer. BRACAnalysis can be used to detect the possibility of breast cancer even if no symptoms or diagnosis has been found in the patient.

BRACAnalysis and Testing for Breast Cancer

The BRACAnalysis test is given by Myriad Genetic Laboratories. The main reason why patients should take the BRACAnalysis test is if they have a personal family history of the disease. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are indicated in the development of breast cancer. People who have immediate family members who have developed the disease are more likely to develop breast cancer. People who have breast cancer in family members who developed the disease early in life are even more susceptible to BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation development. This makes it more important for these patients to take the BRACAnalysis breast cancer test. However, the mutation chances of the BRCA1 gene are more important. There is a higher probability for breast cancer development in patients who have been tested using BRACAnalysis with BRCA1 mutations rather than BRCA2 mutations.

Men and the BRACAnalysis Test for Cancer

Although it’s rarer, men can also develop breast cancer. Men who have a history of breast cancer in the family also need to be concerned with the possibility of breast cancer development. The most important concern for men is their family history. Men who have a family history of male breast cancer are 50% more likely to develop the disease. Because of this reason, men are also urged to take the test. This test can evaluate and determine the probability of developing breast cancer. BRACAnalysis is able to determine if germinal mutation has occurred, which means that the disease has been passed by the sperm or the egg of the parents.

If the patient is susceptible to breast cancer, BRACAnalysis is a method offered to determine if cancer is probable. It’s important to speak to a physician to determine the seriousness of a BRACAnalysis test if it is positive. A breast cancer test is a good method of protecting a patient from unexpected breast cancer results.

References:

History of Breast Cancer and BRACAnalysis

The copyright of the article How BRACAnalysis Tests for Breast Cancer in General Medicine is owned by Jennifer Marsh. Permission to republish How BRACAnalysis Tests for Breast Cancer in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

BRACAnalysis tests for breast cancer