BRCA test

Genetic testing is a common method of diagnosing many diseases, including cancer. By identifying abnormalities in genes, the development of cancer can be prevented or timely treatment can be prescribed. The BRCA test available at the "Dobrobut" medical network allows for determining whether DNA contains changes associated with an increased risk of cancer in both women and men.

The BRCA test is conducted to identify hereditary predispositions to the development of malignant tumors in the ovaries and breasts. Most cancer diseases are hereditary and linked to the transmission of a mutated gene within DNA from one of the parents. Thus, the BRCA mutation analysis is performed to determine the allelic variants of the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes obtained from peripheral blood using the polymerase chain reaction method.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes: What Are They

Testing these genes provides information on cancer risk. A certain proportion of malignant formations in the breasts and ovaries correlates with the inheritance of these damaged genes. An abnormality in one of them causes uncontrolled cell division, leading to cancer. This indicates that a person carries mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

There are normal homozygous, heterozygous, and pathological (mutant) homozygous genotypes of the genes. Due to the high clinical significance of mutations in these genes, retesting of heterozygous and mutant homozygous samples starting from the DNA extraction stage is recommended.

Who Should Consider a BRCA Blood Test

Testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 cancer markers is advisable for:

• Women and men diagnosed with breast cancer;
• Women with a confirmed malignant ovarian tumor;
• Men with confirmed prostate cancer;
• Family members who are known to have BRCA mutations;
• Individuals with known family cases of ovarian, breast, pancreatic, or prostate cancer;
• Those who wish to check their predisposition to cancer and determine their carrier status for mutations in these genes.

How the Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer Is Conducted

Testing for cancer predisposition doesn't require special preparation. The procedure is carried out independently of the time of day and doesn’t necessarily need to be done on an empty stomach. The examined material is venous blood. Then, in the laboratory, DNA obtained from leukocytes is analyzed. The analysis is done quickly, and the BRCA test is affordably priced.

Decoding the Results

If the Result Is Positive

If the genetic blood test for breast cancer shows a positive result, it means that mutations are found in the subject’s BRCA genes. However, it’s not a confirmation of the development of hereditary cancer but a reason to closely monitor one's health. Preventive measures need to be undertaken to reduce the risk of cancer.

Recommendations for healthy individuals carrying mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 include self-examination of the breasts once a month, regular specialist consultations, ultrasound of the breasts, uterus/ovaries, taking blood tests for cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) every six months, adopting healthy eating habits, etc. Awareness of having a genetic defect and following the recommended measures can contribute to better risk control and the introduction of optimal prevention.

For patients with an established cancer diagnosis, the result can help make decisions about necessary treatment. It's important to remember that the probability of full recovery is very high if cancer is detected at an early stage.

If the Result Is Negative

If the breast cancer gene test result is negative—no BRCA abnormalities are found. However, it's still important to monitor health indicators because a genetic predisposition isn’t the only reason for cancer to occur. Therefore, regular visits to appropriate specialists and examinations of the ovaries/breasts are important.

Advantages of Testing at the "Dobrobut"

• Reliable results;
• High-quality service provision;
• Qualified examination thanks to the professionalism of the doctors and modern equipment;
• Wide network of medical centers allowing selection of the nearest;
• Affordable BRCA analysis pricing.

Scheduling genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer in the "Dobrobut" medical network is worthwhile to assess individual risks, prevent the development of malignant processes, and receive timely therapy.