BRCA testing identifies the mutation of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in the human body, which are responsible for causing breast and ovarian cancer. Not only that, the mutation of BRCA1 and BRCA2 also causes pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, melanoma, or stomach cancer. BRCA testing helps to predict the harmful variance of BRCA1 or BRCA2 (inherited mutated copy) and enables us to take informed decisions.

What are BRCA1 and BRCA2?

BRCA1 (breast cancer gene1) and BRCA2 (breast cancer gene2) are mainly responsible for repairing damaged DNA. Each of this DNA has two copies, inherited from each parent. People are exposed to higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer if they have inherited mutated form of BRCA1 or BRCA2 from parents.

If someone inherits one normal BRCA1 or BRCA2 from one of the parents along with one mutated (harmful variant) from another parent, then also he may not be exposed to cancer because the normal copy of BRCA1 or BRCA2 protects cells from becoming cancerous. However, the normal copy of BRCA1 or BRCA2 can be lost in one’s lifetime, and the person may be exposed to cancer known as somatic alteration.

BRCA testing process

The BRCA testing process is a simple and easy process, and it is a completely safe and risk-free test. It takes the sample of blood or saliva and does the analysis for predicting the mutated variant of BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. The BRCA testing is possible by taking a sample from blood or saliva because once the mutated copy of BRCA1 or BRCA2 is inherited to the human body, it is found in every cell of the body, including blood cells and saliva. A health physician normally recommends BRCA testing to patients if they have a strong family history or they have some symptoms.

BRCA testing results

BRCA testing results mainly fall into three categories, though interpreting BRCA testing results is critical to making any informed decision.

• Positive BRCA results: The positive results imply the existence of a mutated BRCA gene, and there is a chance of cancer. The BRCA testing results help you to prevent cancer and take immediate health precautions.
• Negative BRCA results : The negative results confirm there is no existence of harmful variants of BRCA1 or BRCA2, and there is less likelihood of getting affected by cancer.

BRCA testing has come up with revolutionary changes by early predicting the mutation of BRCA1 and BRCA2 in medical science. Proper identification helps to prevent cancer and make informed decisions. It follows a simple procedure of blood or saliva sampling and gives results approximately within 2-4 weeks. Medgenome gives fast and correct BRCA test results to help you plan your health better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are asked to do BRCA testing?

The person who has a family history of breast cancer or any relative diagnosed with BRCA mutation is suggested by health physician to do BRCA testing.

What does the BRCA testing result VUS mean?

VUS (variant of uncertain significance) indicates that the genetic variation’s potential cancer risk is unidentified and needs to be tested and monitored further.

How long does the BRCA testing process take?

The BRCA testing requires 2-4 weeks to collect the sample, analyse and reveal the result.