OVERVIEW:
What is the BRCA I/II lab test?
BRCA I/II lab test is a blood test that looks for mutations (changes) in the BRCA I and BRCA II genes.
Why is the BRCA I/II lab test done?
BRCA I/II lab test is done in order to:
- Check if you have BRCA I/II gene mutation (change),
- Assess your risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer.
What does a BRCA I/II lab test measure?
A BRCA I/II lab test looks for mutations (changes) in the BRCA I and BRCA II genes. A mutation (change) in the BRCA I/II genes increases the chance of getting breast or ovarian cancer in females and breast or prostate cancer in males.
Are there any risks associated with this test?
There are no known risks associated with this test.
How should I prepare for this test?
This test does not require any special preparation however, you may need to meet a genetic counselor to see if this is the right test for you.
Can a BRCA I/II lab test be used to diagnose cancer?
This test does not provide a definitive cancer diagnosis.
Do genetics play a role in the BRCA I/II gene mutation?
Positive family history plays a huge role in BRCA I/II gene mutation.
How accurate is BRCA testing?
Genetic testing is not 100% accurate. If a test is negative, a person still has a chance of getting breast cancer. If the test is positive, there is still a 15% to 20% chance of not getting breast cancer.
A negative test result means no BRCA gene mutation (change) was found.
An uncertain test result means some kind of BRCA gene mutation (change) was found but it may or may not be linked with an increased chance of getting cancer.
A positive test result means a mutation (change) in the BRCA I or BRCA II genes was found.
BRCA I/II lab test is done in order to:
- Check if you have BRCA I/II gene mutation (change),
- Assess your risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer.
