10% or less of all cancer have a genetic component attached to it which might lead one to believe that there is no cost effective use for DNA testing to diagnose cancer. But breast cancer is different because DNA testing is actually able to diagnose a mutated gene that increases a women’s risk of breast cancer significantly.

When it comes to genetic testing BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the key to breast cancer DNA testing. 80% of all inherited breast cancers are attached to the mutation of these genes and they also signal that there may be an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.

All that is required for a genetic test is just a small sample of blood. But the test is very sophisticated using a molecular technique in which DNA is extracted from white blood cells which is then sequenced.

For example a family history of cancer at an early age, or incidents of ovarian cancer and/or breast cancer in the genetic gene pool makes you at higher risk then others and it is more likely that the testing will be conducted.

If you carry a mutation of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene you are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer. If you test negative then you are at no greater risk than any other women even if you have had family members with breast cancer.



Cancer Hospital