BRCA

[Maludagui]

Hello pretty ladies. I hope they are all very well. Please can someone explain to me in a very simple way what the BRCA genetic test is. My result on this test was NEGATIVE. I have 3 kids. 2 males and 1 female. What impact does this result have on my children ??? Thank you

[SabaAK]

Hi:). My mom has had the same test, BRCA 1 and 2 ,and was negative as well. It’s inherited gene mutation that increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancers.Her surgeon said it means that me and my sister are safe and it’s not genetical. Anyway we decided to have breast check ups every 6 months.Saba

[Maludagui in reply to SabaAK]

Thank you 🙏 amen

[SabaAK in reply to Maludagui]

👍

[MyMiracle13]

How is this test done? Is it a blood test? Is this done on the healthy cells or on the tissue sample from a biopsy?

[Maludagui in reply to MyMiracle13]

Hi morning. Is a sample from

A biopsy. Is this I understand

[13plus in reply to Maludagui]

No it's a blood test

[Maludagui in reply to 13plus]

Oh ok. The same day a take a laboratory and is this I don’t sure.

[13plus in reply to MyMiracle13]

It's done from a blood test

[MyMiracle13 in reply to 13plus]

Hi. thanks for the reply.

[13plus]

If you are negative you are good! And your children should be automatically safe too, unless there is any reason to suspect a genetic cancer line on their father's side.

[Totheriver]

I would say your children are safe because you don’t have it. My Mom was tested because she had ovarian cancer and I had breast cancer but she was negative so no further testing had to be done.

[tab78FN]

Hi, as noted, the BRCA 1&2 gene tests generally indicate inherited mutations that can make you more susceptible to cancer (and thankfully, you were negative). That does not mean everyone is "safe" since most breast cancers (over 80%) are not inherited. There is so much more at work in causing cancer - diet, environment, hormones, etc. - and still so much unknown. The genetic tests are helpful when they are positive (targeted therapies or treatment choices) but when they are negative, it still doesn't take away all the risks for cancer. Genetics counselors can be great for additional information. So much going on in research, its challenging to keep up. However, all this information makes us smarter consumers and advocates for our own health and for those we love. Wishing you well on your journey! Tami