Are you a candidate for Genetic Cancer Testing?

What Is BRCA 1 and BRCA 2?

BRCA 1 and 2 are tumor suppressor genes.  They’ve gotten a lot of press in recent years due to mutations of these genes linked with cancer, especially breast cancer.  Of all breast cancers, only 5-10% are attributed to mutations of BRCA 1 and 2.  However, this small group of women who carry these gene mutations have a significant impact on their lives.  There is also a link with BRCA 1 and 2 mutations and other cancers, including cancers of the colon, pancreas, and prostate.

Women who have the BRCA 1 or 2 mutation, have 5X’s the normal risk for developing breast cancer, and 10-30X’s the normal risk for developing ovarian cancer.  Let me repeat that.  FIVE TIMES THE NORMAL RISK for breast cancer and TEN TO THIRTY TIMES THE NORMAL RISK for ovarian cancer.

Not every woman who carries these gene mutations will develop cancer in her lifetime, but the likelihood of doing so is scary.

Genetic Cancer Screening

Genetic testing can identify gene mutations.  In the past, it was cost prohibitive, but costs have come down and many insurance companies cover it when a patient is considered high risk.

Are you a candidate for genetic testing?

Look at your family history.  You may be a candidate if you have first-, second-, or third-degree relatives with the following:

—breast cancer diagnosed before the age of 30

—breast cancer diagnosed as “Triple Negative”

—two first- or second-degree relatives with breast cancer diagnosed before the age of 45

—three first- or second-degree relatives diagnosed with breast cancer at age 50 or younger

—four relatives (first-, second-, or third-degree) diagnosed with breast cancer at any age

—any relative diagnosed with ovarian cancer

—any relative diagnosed with male breast cancer

—any relative diagnosed with pancreatic cancer who also is diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer

Genetic Cancer Screening Questionnaire

We have partnered with Myriad Genetics to offer you a free Genetic Cancer Screening Questionnaire.  You can find it on our website under the heading of Women’s Health.  Or you can click this link:

http://www.abundantlifehealthcare.com/women_s_health/genetic_cancer_screening/

Even if you don’t fit the criteria for genetic cancer testing, it’s worth a few minutes of your time to know for sure.  I have filled out the questionnaire.  All my employees have filled out the questionnaire.  You should too.