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BRCA-1 and BRCA-2
(Breast Cancer Gene 1 and 2) Tests
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Common Questions
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1. If the BRCA test is positive, what are my treatment options?
2. If the test is positive, how likely am I to get breast or ovarian cancer?
3. If the test is negative, how likely/unlikely am I to get breast or ovarian cancer?
4. Where can I get this test?
1. If the BRCA test is positive, what are my treatment options?
If the BRCA test is positive, the treatment options include increased frequency of check-ups (e.g., mammography, blood tests for CA-125, or transvaginal ultrasonography); medications that could reduce risk (e.g. oral contraceptives or tamoxifen); or surgical removal of the ovaries or breasts.
2. If the test is positive, how likely am I to get breast or ovarian cancer?
Your risk will depend on your family history and will need to be determined by a genetic counsellor. Research studies have reported that of every 1000 women positive for BRCA mutations, between 330 and 423 will develop breast cancer by age 50 and between 70 and 90 will develop ovarian cancer by age 50. The risk increases with age.
3. If the test is negative, how likely/unlikely am I to get breast or ovarian cancer?
The same research studies mentioned in question 2 reported that for every 1000 women negative for BRCA mutations, between 12 and 45 will develop breast cancer by age 50 and between 3 and 4 will develop ovarian cancer by age 50. The risk increases with age.
4. Where can I get this test?
The test can be requested by your doctor if it is considered appropriate and should be accompanied by genetic counselling. The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory that specialises in genetic testing.
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This page was last modified on
April 29, 2004.
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