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Is there a blood test for cancer? Thanks to blood genetic tests, mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes can be detected and appropriate preventive steps taken, whether in the form of constant he alth monitoring or preventive mastectomy. A mutation in the BRCA1 gene and / or the BRCA2 gene may be hereditary and increases the risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer.

Cancer blood testis actually a genetic test that aims todetect mutations in the BRCA gene. The BRCA1 and BRCA2genes are responsible for the appropriate number of cell divisions. If they mutate, the cell begins to divide uncontrollably, and its daughter cells also contain the mutation and divide quickly and uncontrollably. Worse still, a mutation in the BRCA gene can be inherited, making it more likely that you will develop breast or ovarian cancer in the next generation. The mutated BRCA gene can be inherited from the mother and grandmother - also from the father, who, without suffering from breast cancer himself, mediates the transmission of defective genetic material.

Mutations in the BRCA gene and cancer risk

A mutation in the BRCA1 gene and / or the BRCA2 gene occurs in about 0.1 percent of cancer cases (1 in 1,000 people). In people who belong to the risk group (frequent cases of breast and / or ovarian cancer, or a family history of breast or colon cancer in a man), a genetic test should be performed.

The risk of developing cancer in women with one of the BRCA mutations is 30-80 percent for breast cancer, 11-40 percent for ovarian cancer, and about 10 percent for tubal and peritoneal cancer. However, it should be remembered that only about 3 percent of all cases of breast cancer and about 14 percent of all cases of ovarian cancer are caused by a mutation in the BRCA gene.

Mutations in the BRCA gene: indications for genetic testing

Blood genetic test for BRCA gene mutation should be performed by women who:

  • had cases of malignant neoplasms in the family - breast and ovarian cancer in women under 50, breast cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer in men,
  • use hormonal contraception,
  • have any changes in their breasts.

How and where to test for BRCA gene mutation?

A sample is taken for analysisblood. The test is performed by oncological genetic clinics. It is free of charge if the patient is at risk. Privately, it costs about PLN 400. If he shows that a woman has the mutated gene, her risk of developing breast cancer is much higher (up to 80 percent) than other women. However, he does not have to get sick. BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation tests are also included in all breast cancer patients under 50 years of age and all patients with ovarian cancer. If a patient has found mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, similar tests should be performed on his relatives.

Mutations in the BRCA gene: you don't have to get sick

A woman who knows that she is a carrier of the BRCA1 gene should take care of prophylaxis: give up hormonal contraception, undergo regular checkups and have mammography after 35 years of age. A preventive mastectomy may also be a solution. Many geneticists believe that carriers of this gene who develop breast cancer should also be persuaded to remove their he althy breast during the first operation. In addition, geneticists recommend ligation of the fallopian tubes or removal of the ovaries to women over 40 years of age. Such treatments are designed to reduce the effects of estrogen, which may be contributing to a new cancer. Turning off these organs and taking a drug called tamoxifen reduces the risk of breast cancer by nearly 80 percent.

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