Younger women who are diagnosed with breast cancer are increasingly seeking out genetic testing. Doing so is enabling patients and their doctors to gain insights on whether BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic mutations are involved with their cancers. It is also opening the door on the potential for more successful treatments, but some cautions do exist.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations have been strongly linked to the development of breast and ovarian cancers. The risks associated with the BRCA mutations, however, do vary based on the specific mutation type. Understanding if a mutation is present can be important if, for example, the mutation type indicates cancer is likely to appear in the second breast or that ovarian cancer down the road is probable.
The use of genetic testing has climbed in recent years. A new study, in fact, showed that of nearly 900 younger women with breast cancer about 780 underwent genetic testing within a year of diagnosis. Of those tested, about 7.6 percent were positive for the BRCA1 mutation and about 4.5 percent had a BRCA2 mutation.
Researchers also found that women are acting on their test results. Of those tested who were positive for BRCA mutations, 86.4 percent chose to undergo double mastectomies out of an abundance of caution. Some of the women who were BRCA negative also did so. Researchers also found that some BRCA positive women opted to have their ovaries removed, as well, to prevent the potential of this secondary form of cancer arising.
While the increase in genetic testing may prove to be a lifesaving trend for those with BRCA mutations, some healthcare providers are warning that better counseling may be in order. For some who are proceeding with more complicated double mastectomies, for example, the move may not always be necessary. The two genetic mutations each carry their own risks and are linked to different forms of breast and ovarian cancer. It is important for women to understand their specific mutation and the implications that go along with it, some say. It is also important for women who do opt, mutations or not, to undergo double mastectomies to understand the potential risks.
Women who are diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer may very well find genetic testing is an important step in helping them make informed decisions. It is imperative, however, that women understand the full risks of mutations found and steps they may take to address those risks.
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Genetic Testing On the Rise for Young Breast Cancer Patients
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