Is the BRCA Analysis Test Used Only to Detect Gene Mutation for Breast and Ovarian Cancer?
My MIL was just diagnosed with appendiceal cancer and another family member is insistent on having my MIL as well as her 2 sons tested for this. I always thought it was for breast and ovary only, but I don’t want to argue with her if I’m wrong. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks!
I had this type of DNA testing done at Dana Farber Cancer Institute when I had breast cancer. They not only wanted to see if I was at risk for more breast cancer, but it does say about the genes for cervical, and ovarian cancer, The DNA Dr never told me if was for any other testing. But he specifically said to me that the BRACA test was for breast, ovarian and cervical. nothing else. If I can find out more about it, I will let you know.
Don’t worry her doctor probably wont test her. It is used primarily for breast and ovarian cancers as the risk for these are so high. However, BRCA-1 also carries an increased risk for colon and prostate cancers and BRCA-2 carries an increased risk for melanoma, and pancreatic cancers, only the risk for these cancers are not as high. Appendiceal cancer is considered a colon cancer by the way.
Unless your mother in law is under 50 years old there is no reason to believe there is a hereditary component. In which case her doctor will not have her tested. If this person is willing to pay for it out of pocket it runs about $3,000 per test.