BRCA Testing - Know Utility Of It!

The incidences of breast and ovarian cancer are on a rise. A shocking survey reveals in India that 48% of women with breast cancer are below the age of 50 years. The reason could be a lot of factors including lack of awareness and a delay in the diagnosis of the condition. When it comes to breast and ovarian cancer, a particular diagnostic test that has gained immense popularity over the last few years is the BRCA (BRCA1 and BRCA2) gene test. In this article, we will discuss facts related to the BRCA gene test, including its merits.

What are the BRCA genes?

The BRCA1 gene comes under the class of genes known as Tumor Suppressor Gene (antioncogene). As indicative of the name, these genes are responsible for suppressing the formation of tumors by regulating the cell division and growth, as it ensures that cell does not undergo rapid and abnormal division and proliferation. The BRCA genes also undergo mutations and modifications some of which may be harmful enough to cause cancer.

BRCA Gene Test
An early detection of breast and ovarian cancer often produces fruitful results in the successful treatment of the disorder. In the majority of the cases, genetic mutations or modifications act as a catalyst resulting in the abnormal multiplication of cells that eventually gives rise to cancer. The BRCA1 and 2 (Breast Cancer genes 1 and 2) genes play a significant role in breast and ovarian cancer. Mutation in either one of the genes (or at times both) makes a woman highly susceptible to developing breast and ovarian cancer at some point in their lives (depending on how harmful the mutation is).

• The BRCA gene mutation is inherited and can be passed on to the subsequent generations making the situation even worse.
• BRCA1 gene mutation may also make a person susceptible to incidences of colon and prostate cancer.
• The BRCA gene test is basically a blood test that is carried out to find if there are any mutations (often inherited) in the BRCA1 or the BRCA2 gene.

Benefits of BRCA gene test

• Women who have a family history of breast cancer or show signs of breast or ovarian cancer are often advised to undergo the BRCA gene test.
• The gene test keeps a woman updated about their health status, thereby enabling them to carry out the necessary preventive measures or treatment to deal with the condition better.
• In fact, every woman after the age of 20 should undergo the BRCA gene test.

However, there are instances (though rare) where a woman did develop breast cancer in spite of testing negative for the BRCA test indicating others gene mutations can also lead to breast cancer.