BRACAnalysis is a test that detects mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
Mutations in these genes have been determined to predispose mutation carriers to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer or HBOC syndrome.
Patients who fall into one or more of the following categories should talk to their physician about BRACanalysis:
- Patients who are diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 40.
- Patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer at any age.
- Patients with breast cancer diagnosed under the age of 50 with a relative with breast or ovarian cancer.
- A family with three individuals diagnosed with breast cancer (same lineage).
- Patients diagnosed with breast (under age 50) or ovarian cancer (any age) who is of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.
- Patients with a personal or family history of breast cancer in a male.
Genetic testing is not appropriate for everyone. Careful assessment of your family history is needed to determine whether or not BRACAnalysis is appropriate for you or members of your family. Your health care provider at GYN OB Associates can discuss the benefits and limitations of testing and help you to determine if testing is right for you.
About BRACanalysis Testing
If you and your health care provider determine that you are a viable candidate for BRACanalysis, the process of testing is fairly simple. You’ll be required to sign a consent form and provide a blood sample. Results should be available within several weeks.
The majority of health insurance companies do cover most or all of the testing expenses, provided they determine the test to be medically necessary.
For more information on genetic testing, please click on the links below or contact your health care provider.