Approximately seven percent of breast cancer cases are caused by mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Women who carry a mutation in either of these genes have a significantly increased risk of developing breast cancer by age 70. In addition, mutation carriers who have already been diagnosed with cancer have a significantly increased risk of developing a second cancer in the future. Shoemaker Gynecology offers genetic testing which can be used to identify women who carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.
Risk Factors for Hereditary Breast Cancer
Genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer should be considered if:*
You:
- Have had breast cancer at age 50 or younger
- Have had triple-negative breast cancer
- Have ever had ovarian cancer
- Are male and have had breast cancer at any age
- Have had a male relative diagnosed with breast cancer
- Are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and have a personal or family history of breast, ovarian, prostate or pancreatic cancer
Your Family:
- Has had someone diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50
- Has had someone diagnosed with ovarian cancer
- Has had two breast cancers in the same person or on the same side of the family
- Has had a male family member diagnosed with breast cancer
- Has had someone diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer at any age
- Has three or more family members with HBOC-associated** cancer on the same side of the family
- Has had a previously identified BRCA1, BRCA2 or other mutation in the family
Using Hereditary Cancer Testing to Reduce Your Risk of Breast Cancer
If hereditary cancer testing confirms the presence of a BRCA1or BRCA2 mutation or a mutation in another gene associated with breast cancer risk, Shoemaker Gynecology can help you move forward with the right action plan for your particular risk. Your test results can also help your family members learn and understand more about inherited cancer risk and how it may affect them.
Shoemaker Gynecology utilizes Myriad Genetics for hereditary cancer testing. Visit the Myriad website for a helpful FAQ on hereditary genetic testing. Download and complete Shoemaker Gynecology’s Hereditary Cancer Risk Assessment to help us determine if you are a candidate for hereditary cancer testing.
*Assessment criteria are based on medical society guidelines.
**HBOC-associated cancers are breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic.
†Any discussion of medical management options is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute a recommendation. While genetic testing and medical society guidelines provide important and useful information, all medical management decisions should be made based on consultation between each patient and his or her healthcare professional.