There has been a lot of cancer in my family. Between my aunts, uncles and cousins, far too much cancer.
I’ve seen friends and loved ones devastated by the diagnosis of cancer, and how quickly it can affect and even take a life from that point.
So when there is the chance to know of an increased chance of cancer, or to know the best way to treat it, I’m all for it.
THe BRCA Gene
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are human genes involved with cell growth, cell division, and cell repair. Although they are most commonly associated with BReast CAncer, approximately 15% of women with ovarian cancer also have BRCA gene mutations.
Who should get tested?
Clinical practice guidelines recommend that women with epithelial ovarian cancer be considered for BRCA testing. A simple and easy blood or saliva sample can be done at your physician’s office or at a local lab. Medicare, Medicaid, and most private insurance carriers cover BRCA testing for women with a diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
Important BRCA Facts:
• Women with BRCA gene mutations have an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.
• In the general population, 1.4% of women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer, while up to 40% of women with BRCA 1/2 mutations will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer.
• An estimated 15% of ovarian cancers are linked to BRCA mutations.
• Certain mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 can affect how you and your physician choose to manage ovarian cancer.
• Nearly one half of women with ovarian cancer who are BRCA-positive have no significant family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
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