Understanding The Importance Of Breast Cancer DNA TestingRecent times have witnessed the rapid and dangerous mushrooming of Cancer, a deadly disease that has taken lives. Of the different categories, Breast cancer is one of the most frequent cancers that has affected women across the world. Proactive Testing For The Breast Cancer Gene Researchers state that a woman has 11-12% lifetime risk of developing breast cancer. However, the saving grace is that with breast cancer DNA testing, it is possible to diagnose the mutated gene, which hikes the chances of breast cancer development. Once a woman shows positive in the testing, steps can be taken to lower her risk for the deadly disease. If a woman tests negative, then she can rest assured that she is not at risk. BRCA1 and BRCA2 hold the key to the doors of genetic testing for the deadly disease of breast cancer. It is proved that mutations of these genes account for about 80% of the hereditary types of breast cancer. Their mutation is also considered a signal for an ovarian cancer, which is still in its development stage. What Does The Process Involve? The process of breast DNA testing requires only a small blood sample. The test is a very complex process as the molecular technique that is applied here is highly sophisticated. The process involves the extraction of DNA out of the white blood cells. After the extraction, the DNA is sequenced. The time involved in getting the test done and receiving the result is three to four weeks. The expenditure involved is a little less than $3000 and involves the cost for the test, genetic counseling and insurance. Pre-test Counseling Genetic counseling has to be performed before the actual breast cancer DNA testing. All patients have to undergo a pre-testing along with the process of genetic counseling. The process assesses the patients personal and medical information. Risk assessment is usually based on family histor . If the patient tests positive in a DNA test, it means that she carries a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. This means she has greater chances of a breast cancer development. However a negative result can prove that she is not at a risk of developing a breast cancer even with a history of breast cancer in her family. Breast cancer DNA testing has proved that a woman with a mutated gene has about 80% chances of a breast cancer development and up to a 40% chance of an ovarian cancer development. These figures are proof enough that breast cancer DNA testing is very important to diagnose the danger of breast cancer. Although for people without a history of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation, but a strong history of ovarian or breast cancer, the breast cancer DNA testing cant yield any results. If there is no mutation in the family's medical history, the patient should follow the doctor's advice. Another method to detect a breast cancer is called a mammogram, which is the most common method, to detect breast cancer. Still breast cancer DNA testing is slowly becoming the next popular method of breast cancer testing. With this informative discussion on breast cancer DNA testing, it is important to keep in mind the importance and relevance of taking this test. |