We already know that self-breast exams and mammograms are important tools that detect breast cancer. Today's lessons from Susan G. Komen provides information about genetic testing.
Learn more about how your genes might impact your breast health.
Genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 inherited gene mutations
Genetic testing gives people the chance to learn if their breast cancer or family history of breast cancer is due to an inherited gene mutation.
Most women who get breast cancer don’t have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 (BRCA1/2) or other high-risk inherited gene mutation related to breast cancer.
Who should consider genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 inherited gene mutations?
Genetic testing is only recommended for people with a high risk of having a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation (or other high-risk inherited gene mutation related to breast cancer), or when genetic testing would help guide breast cancer treatment. This includes people in the table below.
People who should consider genetic testing for BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutations
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer and:
- BRCA1/2 genetic testing would help in making treatment decisions
- You were diagnosed at age 50 or younger
- You were diagnosed with male breast cancer
- You were diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer (breast cancer that is estrogen receptor-negative, progesterone receptor-negative and HER2-negative)
- You were diagnosed with lobular breast cancer at any age, and have a personal or family history of diffuse gastric cancer
- You were diagnosed with 2 or more separate breast cancers involving the same breast or both breasts
- You have Ashkenazi Jewish heritage (in at least one grandparent)
- A close family member was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 50 or younger
- A close family member was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, male breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, or high-risk or metastatic prostate cancer
If you’ve never been diagnosed with breast cancer and have:
- A family member with a BRCA1/2 inherited gene mutation (or other inherited gene mutation related to breast cancer)
- A family history of cancer and have Ashkenazi Jewish heritage
- A close family member diagnosed with breast cancer at age 50 or younger
- A close family member diagnosed with ovarian cancer, male breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, or high-risk or metastatic prostate cancer
Source: NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Genetic/Familial High-Risk Assessment—Breast, Ovarian and Pancreatic Cancer, 2024
To learm more about genes, gene mutations, and inherited gene mutation go to Susan G. Komen.