BRCA Testing: Spotting Cancer Risk Before It Strikes

Read Time - 4 Min

Did you know?

About 1 in 400 people carry a BRCA gene mutation, often without any warning signs.¹ These mutations can silently raise your risk of developing cancer over time. But with the right awareness and timely action, you can stay one step ahead of it. We’re talking about BRCA testing—a simple step that is especially recommended if you have a family history of cancer or other specific risk factors.

So, are you curious to learn more about this test? Or simply wondering if you should get tested? Read on to find out who should consider taking this potentially life-saving step.

What Is BRCA Testing?

BRCA or BReast CAncer gene is a tumour suppressor gene. Tumour suppressor genes are the ones which regulate cell growth and prevent cancer. But when a mutation occurs in these genes, it affects their normal function, i.e. to prevent cancer, thereby increasing your cancer risk.^{1, 2}

Since the BRCA gene is responsible for regulating cell growth, its mutation increases the risk of breast, ovarian, and other types of cancer. Though rare, these mutations can be inherited. This means that parents can pass down the risk of developing certain cancers to their children.^{1, 2}

BRCA testing is a genetic test that analyses your blood sample to look for these types of inherited mutations in the BRCA genes (BRCA1 & BRCA2).^{1, 2}

Who Should Get Tested For BRCA?

BRCA testing is recommended if you meet any of the following criteria:²

You have a personal history of breast cancer, particularly if you were diagnosed at a relatively younger age (<50 years).
You have a relative who was already diagnosed with a BRCA mutation.
Your family members have had breast cancer, especially male breast cancer.
You have received a diagnosis of both breast and ovarian cancer.
You belong to an Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry.
You have a personal or family history of multiple cancer diagnoses.
You have a family history of any of the genetic disorders which put you at an increased risk of cancer, such as Cowden syndrome, Fanconi anaemia, Li-Fraumeni syndrome or Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.

What Information Can A BRCA Test Provide?

Besides putting you at a sixfold increased risk of developing breast cancer, a BRCA mutation might also increase your risk of ovarian cancer, fallopian tube cancer, peritoneal (abdominal lining) cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer and Fanconi anaemia.²

BRCA Testing Procedure: What Happens Before, During & After

Before you go for a BRCA test, your genetic counsellor will explain to you the importance of the test. They will also guide you on what a positive (or negative) diagnosis will mean for you and your family.²

The BRCA gene testing procedure is just like any other blood test. A thin needle is inserted into your arm vein, and blood is collected in a vial. The whole procedure takes about 5 minutes.²

After the test, the healthcare provider will give you an expected date for the test results. And based on this, you can fix your next appointment with your genetic counsellor. They will help you understand the test results and provide you with the necessary insights about cancer risk, if any.²

What Are The Advantages Of BRCA Testing?

It’s a simple test that gives you a better understanding of your cancer risk. This can be helpful not just for you but also for your family members.³

When Should I Expect The Results Of The BRCA Test?

Generally speaking, the BRCA test results are available within a week. But you can request the lab team for faster results in case you have received a prior diagnosis, and your next steps are dependent on the test results.²

If you’re looking for a trusted diagnostic solution for BRCA testing, you can consider LifeCell Diagnostic’s BRCA1 & BRCA2 Gene Analysis. With NABL & CAP-certified labs, an expert team and a quick turnaround time of 3 weeks, LifeCell can be your reliable partner in early cancer risk detection.

Our comprehensive report not only identifies mutations in the BRCA1 & BRCA2 genes but also includes genetic counselling support to help you understand the results and plan your next steps with confidence.

Understanding Your Test Results

Let’s understand what it means if your BRCA test results are positive, negative or uncertain:²

Positive test results:

A positive BRCA test result doesn’t necessarily mean that you will get cancer. But it does mean that you have a greater than average risk. It also gives your family members a better idea about their risk. So you and your family members can discuss with your doctor about the preventive steps you need to take to minimise the risk. These include:

Getting cancer screenings, such as mammograms, done more often.
Getting additional screenings like MRIs for cancer detection.
Limiting the use of birth control pills.
Using medications that prevent cancer, such as tamoxifen.
Opting for preventive surgery, such as a prophylactic mastectomy to remove healthy breast tissue before cancer develops, and prophylactic removal of ovaries and fallopian tubes to reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

Negative Test Results:

If you get a negative test result, this doesn’t guarantee that you’ll never get cancer. This just means that your risks are as good as those of the general population without a BRCA mutation.

However, if your BRCA test results are negative, yet one of your family members has received a cancer diagnosis before the age of 50, the test implications could be less clear. It might suggest that you or your family members have a mutation in other genes which are linked with cancer. So you need to talk to your genetic counsellor to see if you need further testing.

Uncertain Test Results:

An inconclusive or uncertain test result might require future testing. This is again something you can discuss with your genetic counsellor.

Conclusion

BRCA testing is a simple yet powerful tool to understand your risk of developing certain cancers. A positive result doesn't mean for sure that you'll get cancer, but it does mean you can take informed steps toward prevention, such as lifestyle changes and regular screenings. It also helps assess potential risks for your family members.

To know more about BRCA testing and how LifeCell Diagnostics can support you, call our helpline at 1800 266 5533.