How accurate is genetic testing for breast cancer?
Genetic testing is not 100% accurate. If a test is negative, a person still has a chance of getting breast cancer. If the test is positive, there is still a 15% to 20% chance of not getting breast cancer. Genetic testing is costly, ranging from about $400 to more than $3,000, depending on the type of test.
Can you do genetic testing for breast cancer?
The BRCA gene test is offered to those who are likely to have an inherited mutation based on personal or family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer. The BRCA gene test isn’t routinely performed on people at average risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
Should all breast cancer patients have genetic testing?
Germline genetic testing should be offered to all breast cancer patients, both newly diagnosed and those with a previous personal history. Patients with prior genetic testing may benefit from updated testing. Genetic testing should be available to patients without cancer but who otherwise meet NCCN guidelines.
Why do genetic testing after breast cancer diagnosis?
Genetic testing can help to identify if a person has inherited a gene that increases their chance of developing breast cancer. But it is not suitable for everyone. Doctors typically recommend it for people at a higher risk of having a mutation on a gene that can increase a person’s risk of developing breast cancer.
How expensive is the BRCA gene test?
Without insurance, BRCA testing can range from roughly $300 to $5,000 or more, depending on copayments, coinsurance, lab fees, and more.
What’s worse BRCA1 or BRCA2?
Which Gene Mutation is Worse, BRCA1 or BRCA2? By age 70, women BRCA1 carriers have a slightly higher risk of developing breast cancer than BRCA2 carriers. Also, BRCA1 mutations are more often linked to triple negative breast cancer, which is more aggressive and harder to treat than other types of breast cancer.