Heights OBGYN

BRCA Genetic Testing

BRCA genetic testing can detect genes related to breast and ovarian cancer

If you have a personal or family history of certain cancers, BRCA genetic testing may make sense. This type of testing uses a blood or saliva sample to look for DNA changes that suggest a higher risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

The team at Heights Obstetrics & Gynecology can help you decide if this testing is right for you. If testing makes sense, our San Antonio OBGYNs can then help you take the next step.

What is BRCA genetic testing?

This type of genetic testing looks at the DNA in your cells. DNA holds the instructions that tell your cells what to do. Harmful gene mutations can increase the risk of certain cancers. BRCA genetic testing can identify some of these mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.

  • Changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can increase the risk of developing breast cancer.
  • BRCA1 is more likely to increase the risk of ovarian cancer than BRCA2. However, mutations in either gene can increase the risk.
  • Changes in these genes can also increase the risk of prostate or pancreatic cancers.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 aren’t the only genes that can increase cancer risk. As a result, some patients opt for a multigene panel test. It can look for mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2, as well as other genes.

What do the results of BRCA genetic testing mean?

Genetic testing can provide helpful information. However, the results cannot tell you whether you will or will not develop cancer. They can only let you know whether you have a higher risk.

  • A positive BRCA test means you do have a genetic change that increases your risk of developing cancer. However, it cannot tell you whether you will get cancer in the future.
  • A negative BRCA test suggests you don’t have harmful genetic changes to the specific gene in question. However, you may have a harmful genetic change that hasn’t been discovered yet.

Meeting with a genetic counselor before and after BRCA genetic testing can help you learn what your results can and cannot tell you.

Who should get BRCA1 and BRCA2 testing?

Harmful changes to genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 can be passed down from parent to child. This means that you may want to consider this type of genetic testing if you have certain risk factors.

  • A personal history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer
  • A blood relative (parent, brother, sister, grandparent or cousin) with a history of breast cancer, especially at or before age 50
  • A blood relative with ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer
  • A blood relative who had a positive BRCA genetic test

If you have Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, our San Antonio OBGYNs recommend exploring genetic testing. This is true even if you don’t have a family history of cancer.

The Heights Obstetrics & Gynecology team can help you review your genetic testing options. Our OBGYNs can also help you be proactive about your health by offering annual wellness exams and routine cancer screenings. Contact us to schedule a visit and learn more.

BRCA genetic mutations can be passed from parent to child, so it’s wise to get testing if you have a family history of breast, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer.

Testing can also make sense if you have a personal history of cancer, Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, or a family member who had positive BRCA testing.

BRCA genetic testing can only tell you if you have a known genetic mutation that increases your risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer.

It cannot guarantee that you have no harmful genetic mutations. It also cannot tell you whether you will or will not develop cancer in the future.

No, other genes can have mutations that may increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Researchers know some of these mutations, but they are still discovering others.