BRCA Gene Test

Why is this procedure done?

Parents pass genes to their children. Sometimes, the genes may have changes in them that can cause health problems. Doctors know about a gene that may make you more likely to have some kinds of cancer if they do not work normally. It is the breast cancer susceptibility gene or BRCA. There are two kinds of this gene. ‚

BRCA1 ¢ ˆ ’ Helps prevent cancer of the breast, ovaries, cervix, womb, pancreas, and bowel
BRCA2 ¢ ˆ ’ Helps prevent cancer of the breast, ovaries, pancreas, stomach, gallbladder, bile ducts, and skin

Sometimes, there is something wrong with this gene. Then, you are more likely to develop these cancers. Your doctor may order this test to: ‚

See if you have something wrong with your BRCA gene. If so, you are more likely to develop these kinds of cancers.
Go along with other tests.

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What will the results be?

The doctor will look at the results of your test and what is normal.
If the results are negative, it means your BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are normal. This means you are in a lower risk group for breast or ovarian cancer.
If the results are positive, one or both of your BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes are not normal. You are in the high risk group for having hereditary breast or ovarian cancer.
Your doctor may order some other test to verify the diagnosis.
You and your doctor will be able to know if you are at risk for cancer of the:
- Breast
- Ovaries
- Pancreas
- Belly
- Gallbladder
- Bile duct
- Skin

What happens before the procedure?

No special preparations are needed for this procedure.
Tell your doctor about:
- All the drugs you are taking
- If you have bleeding problems

What happens during the procedure?

It will only take a few minutes to have this test. You will be awake the whole time. You will have a small amount of blood taken from you with a needle. You may have a small amount of pain. The needle will be taken out and a bandage will be put on your skin. The lab will test your blood for the BRCA gene. Sometimes a special mouth rinse may be used instead to collect cells from saliva for the test. ‚

What happens after the procedure?

You may want to sit quietly for a few minutes before standing up if you have a blood test. This will help keep you from feeling dizzy after the test.
Ask your doctor when you will get the results.

What care is needed at home?

You may do your everyday activities when you get back home. ‚

What follow-up care is needed?

Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. This test will help your doctor understand if you are more likely to develop cancer. Together you can make a plan for more care.
Your doctor will tell you when you will get your test results. Your doctor will talk about the results with you in detail.
Your doctor will tell you if other tests are needed.
Your doctor may recommend you see a genetic counselor.

What problems could happen?

Pain
Bruising
Bleeding
Feeling dizzy
Infection

Where can I learn more?

American Association for Clinical Chemistry ‚
http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/brca/tab/glance ‚
National Cancer Institute ‚
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/BRCA ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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