Who should have genetic screening for BRCA?

People get cancer for lots of reasons. It's important to know that only 5-10% of cancers are hereditary.

1 in 400 people have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation.

If you have a direct family member who has had cancer more than once, it might be worth it to have genetic counseling. This isn't just about breast cancer, it includes prostate cancer and melanoma. If you have multiple family members, especially sisters, aunts, grandmothers, or cousins who have had breast cancer, it may also be a good idea to be tested.

Having genetic testing only gives you the information to know if you are at a higher risk for particular types of cancer.  Getting a negative test doesn't mean you won't get cancer, and testing positive doesn't mean you automatically have to sign up to have preventative surgeries. There is power in the knowledge of your risk of cancer. For some people, getting a positive test just means they will have increased surveillance/screening such as more frequent mammograms or ultrasounds for the purpose of catching the cancer early. And for some people, a positive test means taking the reigns and taking surgical preventative measures to keep cancer from being in control.

Insurance will typically cover the genetic counseling when there is a strong family history of cancer. Once someone in your direct family has a positive test, there is information that can be shared from them that could make your own testing even easier. The test itself is really simple - either a blood draw or mouth swab!

In the future, BRCA testing may become like a mammogram or colonoscopy — a routine part of care once you reach a certain age. But in the meantime, there are certainly steps we can take to protect ourselves from cancer.

My insurance through Kaiser paid for the genetic testing, and is paying for the mastectomies and reconstruction. Each surgery will cost me only my $5 co-pay.

There are some things to consider before going in for genetic counseling. First, you should maximize your life insurance policies prior to getting your results. If you get a positive test, getting life insurance becomes challenging. Also, you need to be prepared to start making decisions with your results. What will you do with the information when it comes back to you?

If you're related to me through my mother, then you have a 50% chance of having the BRCA 2 mutation. This is for males and females.  If you have it, your children also have a 50% chance of having it as well. If you have questions, please message or call me. I'd love to chat and share what I have learned.