Breast Cancer (BRCA) Gene Test

BRCA (Breast Cancer) Gene Test

Test Overview

A breast cancer (BRCA) gene test is a blood test to check for specific changes (mutations) in genes that help control normal cell growth. Finding changes in these genes, called BRCA1 and BRCA2, can help determine your chance of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. A BRCA gene test does not test for cancer itself. This test is only done for people with a strong family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer, and sometimes for those who already have one of these diseases. Genetic counselling before and after a BRCA test is very important to help you understand the benefits, risks, and possible outcomes of the test.

A woman's risk of breast or ovarian cancer is higher if she has BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene changes. Breast cancer is extremely rare in men but BRCA2 gene changes have been linked to male breast cancer and possibly prostate cancer. The risk of some other cancers, including pancreatic and colon cancer, may also be higher.¹ The gene changes can be inherited from either your mother's or father's side of the family.

Certain people have a higher chance of inheriting BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene changes.

• Jewish women are more likely to be BRCA gene carriers. Some experts recommend gene tests for women who are Ashkenazi Jews (Jews whose ancestors came from Eastern Europe) if they have one or both of the following:²
  • Any first-degree relative with breast or ovarian cancer. First-degree relatives are parents, sisters and brothers, and children.
  • Two second-degree relatives on the same side of the family with breast or ovarian cancer. Second-degree relatives are aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and grandparents.
• If you are not Jewish, some experts recommend a gene test if you have one or more of the following:²
  • Two first-degree relatives with breast cancer, one of whom was diagnosed before age 50
  • Three or more first- or second-degree relatives with breast cancer, diagnosed at any age
  • Both breast and ovarian cancer in the family
  • A first-degree relative with cancer in both breasts
  • Two or more relatives with ovarian cancer
  • One relative with both breast and ovarian cancer
  • A male relative with breast cancer

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Author:	Alison Allen Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH	Last Updated: October 31, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology
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