Breast Cancer (BRCA) Gene Test

BRCA (Breast Cancer) Gene Test

Results

A breast cancer (BRCA) gene test is a blood test to check your chance of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Test results may take several weeks.

Normal (called negative)

No changes were found in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.

A negative result and your overall family risk must be considered together.

• If a family member has a known BRCA change, other family members may want to be tested.
• If other family member test results are also negative (even though you have a family member with a BRCA change), it is unlikely that you have inherited an increased risk of developing cancer in this way. In this case, you have the same chance of cancer as that of the general public, based on your age and personal and family history.

Only about 5% to 10% of breast and ovarian cancers are linked to the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene change. If you have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, you may still have a higher chance of developing breast cancer even if you have a negative BRCA result. Other gene changes are possible that make cancer more likely.

Abnormal (called positive)

BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene changes are present.

Women who have BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene changes have between a 36% and 85% chance of developing breast cancer and between a 16% and 60% chance of developing ovarian cancer during their lifetimes.¹ These numbers show a wide range of chance and depend on your other personal and family history.

Men with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene changes have a higher risk of breast and prostate cancer.¹

The risk of other cancers, including cancer of the pancreas and colon, may also be higher with BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene changes.¹

Uncertain (called variant of uncertain significance or VUS)

This result may mean that a gene change is present but it is difficult for your doctor to know if the change is important and if it changes your chances of developing cancer.

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH	Last Updated: September 19, 2007
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.