Breast Cancer Genes 101: Who, How, and When To Get Tested

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month — 30 days dedicated to raising awareness about the most frequently diagnosed cancer in American women and the importance of education and screening. 

According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every two minutes. Abnormal genes passed down from a parent to a child cause about 5% to 10% of breast cancer cases. 

While an inherited gene isn’t responsible for most cases of breast cancer, if you have one of the breast cancer genes, your risk of developing the disease increases substantially, from about 12% to 72%. 

Fortunately, getting screened regularly for breast cancer can help you catch this deadly disease at an early stage when it’s easier to treat. 

At Mira Women’s Health & Midwifery in Boca Raton, Florida, board-certified OB/GYNs Kenneth Konsker, MD, and Emily Woodbury, MD, and our expert team of health professionals can help you learn more about heredity breast cancer, who should get screened, and how often. 

What are breast cancer genes, and who should get tested for them?

The most common breast cancer genes are BRCA1, or breast cancer gene 1, and BRCA2, breast cancer gene 2. Breast cancer genes have mutations, meaning that instead of repairing damaged cells, they can accelerate abnormal cell growth rates.

If you have one of these genes, you’re more likely to get breast cancer, get it at a young age, and also get it in both breasts. People who should consider getting tested for these genes include those:

• Who have a family member that has tested positive for a mutated gene
• Who are of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
• Diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50
• Diagnosed with ovarian cancer
• Has a close family member or more than one member who has been diagnosed with breast cancer

If you’ve determined that you are at high risk of having a breast cancer gene, getting tested for the gene can help you figure out what type of screening and how often you should get screened so that you can catch breast cancer as early as possible. 

When and how should you get tested for breast cancer genes?

The first step to getting tested for breast cancer genes is meeting with a genetic counselor. The counselor can help you decide when and if you should get tested. Most experts recommend that teenagers under 18 not get tested. We may recommend a blood or saliva test since an inherited gene mutation is found in every cell in your body. 

If your test result is positive, meaning you do have a breast cancer gene, your options may include enhanced screening, preventative surgery, or medication. Enhanced screening means more frequent and usually earlier screening. In addition to a mammogram, your doctor may also recommend getting an MRI.

At Mira Women’s Health & Midwifery, every month is breast cancer awareness month. Our expert, caring team regularly educates our clients on the importance of regular screening and genetic testing. 

Call Mira Women’s Health & Midwifery to learn more about breast cancer awareness and to schedule your next breast cancer screening, or request and appointment online.

561-488-1801

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