Office Closing - January 1st, 2024
High Risk Assessment / Breast Counseling
When an abnormal or unclear mammogram occurs, Palm Beach Breast Institute, Dr. Robert Gardner and Videssa® Breast can help. With a simple blood test, Videssa Breast detects what’s going on within your body, providing insight into the biochemical changes that occur during breast cancer. Armed with this knowledge, you and your healthcare provider can more effectively rule-out breast cancer and decide with greater confidence, whether or not additional testing is needed.
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GENETICS
BRACA mutations
Most people who develop breast cancer have no family history of the disease.
When a strong family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer is present, there may be reason to believe that a person has inherited an abnormal gene. The most common genes associated with a high risk of breast or ovarian cancers are the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.
BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 are tumor suppressor proteins. These proteins help repair damaged DNA and insuring stability of the cell’s genetic makeup. When there is a mutation in these genes the person has an increased risk of developing breast cancer or ovarian cancer.
Only 5-10 percent of breast cancer is the U.S. are linked to a genetic
How much of a risk does a woman have with a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation?
Breast cancer: A woman in the general population has a 12% risk of developing breast cancer. If you have a BRCA1 mutation your risk is 55 to 65 %, and 45% for a BRCA2 mutation of developing breast cancer by the age of 70.
Ovarian cancer: A woman’s risk for ovarian cancer is about 1.3%. Woman with a positive BRCA1 mutation have a 39% risk and BRCA2 positive have an 11-17% risk.
Who should consider testing?
BRCA testing is only recommended for people who have a high risk of having a BRCA1/2 mutation, these include those individuals with:
- Family member with a BRCA1/2 mutation
- Personal history of breast cancer before the age of 45
- Personal history of ovarian cancer
- First degree family members diagnosed before age 50 years
- Cancer in both breasts in the same woman
- Ovarian cancers in a first degree family member
- Male relative with breast cancer
- Ashkenazi Jewish ethnicity
How is the test done?
Genetic tests are performed on a sample of blood or saliva. The sample is sent to a laboratory where technicians look for specific changes in the genes. The laboratory reports the test results in writing to your health care provider who will go over the results and review the options depending on the results.
Request a Consultation
If you would like to set up a consultation with Dr. Gardner, please contact us and we will schedule your appointment.