The name BRCA is derived from the term “breast cancer gene.” The two different types of genes, commonly referred to as BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 affect the chances of a person developing breast cancer.
About 5% to 15% of ovarian cancer cases are caused due to hereditary disease, which means this cancer is running in your blood and can be activated by a change of specific genes within your family.
Genes act as instructors and hold information for building new cells and maintaining the old ones. All humans carry a set of genes from their mother and one from their father.
All humans have both BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes, which is a positive thing as opposed to what the name suggests. Both of these help in preventing the creation of cancer genes.
These genes can repair any DNA breaks that might lead to cancer and any uncontrollable growth of tumors. These genes are referred to as tumor-restraining genes.
Unfortunately, this gene doesn’t work well for some people as it might be damaged or broken. These broken or damaged genes are considered to be gene mutations.
BRCA Gene Testing:
This test is done to identify if there have been any harmful changes in either of the two breast cancer susceptibility genes through DNA analysis. The susceptibility genes are referred to as BRCA 1 and BRCA 2.
According to research, people who have mutations through inheritance are more likely to get breast or ovarian cancer than the rest of the population.
BRCA testing is offered to those who might have inherited mutations primarily based on their family or personal history of breast or ovarian cancer.
BRCA Gene Testing Results:
These results tend to be inconclusive a lot of times. However, positive results show that you have the mutation in you and are prone to breast or ovarian cancer and might move ahead with your doctor for further management. On the other hand, a negative result shows that you might not have that mutation you might, but the doctors haven’t discovered it yet.
Your test might also show a variant that the doctors cannot identify yet. In that case, nobody is sure about the cancer results.
BRCA and Genetic Counseling:
Most people involved with BRCA testing undergo genetic counseling; this form of counseling gives you a better idea about your results. Genetic counseling also helps you determine if genetic testing is the right fit for you or recommends a specific test set that fits best based on your family and personal history.
Conclusion:
It is best to get yourself tested for the BRCA mutations if you have a prior history or are aware that this gene runs in your family. If you test positive, it might lead you to take proper care and follow the procedures for the cure provided by your doctor. With early detection, Your doctor will hopefully direct you toward a cure, and a specialized medical team can successfully treat your breast or ovarian cancer with proper care.
