Breast cancer is serious and life-threatening, and women with a BRCA mutation are at increased risk of developing the disease. This video covers the basics of BRCA testing in breast cancer. Watch to learn what a BRCA mutation is and why it’s important to get tested for one.
BRCA genes produce proteins that help repair the cell’s genetic material
When BRCA genes are mutated, this genetic material is not repaired properly, and the cells may turn cancerous
If you have a BRCA mutation, your risk of developing breast cancer increases
If you don’t have breast cancer, BRCA testing can help inform you of your potential cancer risk. If you do have breast cancer, BRCA testing can help determine your treatment options. In fact, national guidelines recommend that women with breast cancer who meet certain criteria get BRCA tested. The earlier you get BRCA tested, the earlier you can discover potential treatments.
This year alone, breast cancer is estimated to be diagnosed in more than 252,000 women.
Of those 252,000 women, an estimated 12,600 to 25,200 have a BRCA mutation.
If you have a BRCA1 mutation, you have an estimated 72% chance of developing breast cancer by age 80. If you have a BRCA2 mutation, you have an estimated 69% chance of developing breast cancer by age 80.
If you have breast cancer and test positive for a BRCA mutation, your treatment options could potentially change. Here’s what you need to know: