What's New with Breast Cancer Genetic Testing

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Genetic counselors encourage both women and men to seek genetic testing to assess their risk. Many people do not know that a genetic test can deliver this type of information, and having it can be life-saving.

Genetic Testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2

BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations significantly increase the risk of breast cancer. Genetic test results showing these mutations can set people on the road to prevention, rather than waiting for mammograms to identify cancer after it has already developed. A BRCA mutation is a powerful signal that breast cancer is likely, so seeking genetic testing and genetic counseling is an important step for those who may be at high risk.

Who Can Have Breast Cancer Genetic Testing?

Anyone can have their DNA tested for cancer risk, including ovarian cancer. This includes those with family members who suffered from breast cancer and those who do not. It also includes people from all ethnic backgrounds.

Gene mutations that increase cancer risk can be inherited or acquired through environmental exposure to carcinogens. This is why it is important to have a genetic test early in life and to consider retesting over time. A negative result at one point does not guarantee no mutation will be identified years later.

The answer to when people should get genetic testing for breast cancer is: as soon as possible. While it may not predict acquired mutations that develop in the future, it can identify inherited mutations now.

Health Insurance for Breast Cancer Genetic Testing

Most health insurance companies in the United States will pay for breast cancer genetic testing. They would much rather pay for genetic testing than for very expensive cancer treatment. While most health insurance companies will cover the cost, it is important to check with your specific provider. Some will require information about medical history and hereditary breast and ovarian cancer risk to approve coverage.

What About Mammograms?

Women with mutations in genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2, and ATM may be at increased risk of breast cancer when their chest is exposed to radiation. Since mammograms involve radiation, even though they are intended to detect breast cancer early, for women who carry mutations in those specific genes, mammograms may cause more harm than good. For all other women, mammograms are very beneficial. Genetic testing can help guide both the patient and their physician in determining whether mammograms are likely to be helpful or harmful for that individual.

Genes Associated With Breast Cancer Risk

Men also greatly benefit from genetic testing, as it is a good way to assess risk for many types of cancer. The following genes are among those associated with increased breast cancer risk:

• BRCA1
• BRCA2
• BARD1
• ATM
• CHEK2
• PALB2
• PTEN
• TP53
• FGFR2
• TNRC9

Male breast cancer is not as common as female breast cancer, but men who carry BRCA mutations are at meaningfully elevated risk and should discuss genetic testing with their healthcare provider.

Get Breast Cancer Genetic Testing Through Sequencing

If you already have DNA data from 23andMe, MyHeritage, AncestryDNA, or another provider, you can upload your raw DNA data to Sequencing for free and access breast cancer risk analysis through the Partner Marketplace.

Sequencing's whole genome sequencing reads 100% of your DNA across over 30,000 genes, including all of the genes listed above. Within a few weeks of submitting your cheek swab sample, you can find out whether you carry any of the gene mutations associated with elevated breast cancer risk.

Order your whole genome sequencing kit from Sequencing today and take a proactive step toward cancer prevention.