Breast Cancer DNA Testing

There is no evidence that women with breast cancer due to BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation family benefit of specific strategies for surgical treatment and chemotherapy. However, the rapid identification of these patients during the acute phase of treatment raises a number of issues.

This study investigated the views on issues arising from such "opinion leaders from Australia-based treatment of genetic tests. Semi-structured interviews with 34 opinion leaders who work in cancer genetics were carried out. Interviewees recognized the introduction of treatment focused on DNA testing has the potential to positively transform the management of patients with breast cancer, but were concerned that certain ethical and logistical issues remain to be addressed.

These include decision making and consent, the familial nature of genetic information, and management of genetic services within the family cancer clinics in the public hospital system in Australia. Service providers will need to have policies and strategies to handle the increased demand. You will also need to include genetic counseling services in family cancer clinics in the clinical pathway for newly diagnosed patients before any DNA testing to determine the adjuvant setting, these services can be more profitable than waiting for surgeons and medical oncologists to meet this function.

When it comes to BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene tests are key to DNA testing for breast cancer. 80% of inherited breast cancers are attached to the mutation of these genes and also a sign that there may be an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.

All that is required for genetic testing is only a small blood sample. But the test is very sophisticated using a molecular technique in which DNA is extracted from white blood cells which are then sequenced.

There is only one lab that can actually do this test. The laboratory is located in Salt Lake City. It takes about 4 weeks for the results. The cost is quite high at just under $ 3000 for testing, genetic counseling and insurance coverage.

Genetic counseling is essential before any DNA testing is actually done. All patients need to undergo pre tested and genetic counseling. This involves assessing the patient's personal information and medical history of the family. It also includes some education about cancer, and discuss the risks, limitations of the test, as well as profit.

For example, a family history of cancer at a young age or ovarian cancer and / or breast cancer gene in the gene that makes a greater risk then others and it is likely that the test performed.

If you carry a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 are at increased risk of developing breast cancer. If the result is negative, then there are at greater risk than any other woman, even if you have relatives with breast cancer.

With all the attention to breast cancer might think that the risks are actually much higher than they are. In the general population the risk of breast cancer is about 12% and a probability of 1% to 2% of developing ovarian cancer. Low numbers does not mean you do not have to be diligent about breast exams. Be proactive and detect breast cancer early stage are sure ways to increase survival rates.

Mammography remains the most common method of detecting breast cancer and there are new technologies on the horizon that look very promising and, indeed, in the game in some areas. And although breast cancer DNA testing is currently used minimally you could see it becoming more main stream in the future.

Those with the gene have a probability of 60% to 80% of developing breast cancer and 20% to 40% of developing ovarian cancer. And are those numbers that explain why it is so important that a breast cancer DNA testing to do.


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