QUESTIONS

1. Who is Myriad Genetic Laboratories?
   
   
2. What is the BRACAnalysis test?
   
   
3. I have breast cancer in my family should I get tested?
   
   
4. How do I know if my family is suspicious for hereditary breast cancer?
   
   
5. I meet one of the above guidelines. What is the next step I should take?
   
   
6. How much does the BRACAnalysis test cost?
   
   
7. Why wouldn’t I get this test done? The more knowledge the better...right?

ANSWERS

Who is Myriad Genetic Laboratories?

Myriad is a commercial testing company located in Salt Lake City, Utah. They hold the patent on the BRACAnalysis test.

What is the BRACAnalysis test?

The BRACAnalysis test detects mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Mutations in these genes have been determined to predispose individuals to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. 

I have breast cancer in my family should I get tested?

It depends. Not all breast cancer is hereditary. Actually only about 7-10% of breast cancer is considered hereditary. Therefore careful assessment of your family history is needed before determining whether genetic testing is appropriate for you or your family member(s).

In addition, genetic testing is most helpful if a person in the family who has been diagnosed with cancer undergoes testing first. This helps in the interpretation of test results.  If none of your family members that have had cancer are available to test, it is possible to test you.  Again, it is important for your healthcare provider to determine whether or not testing is appropriate in the context of your family history.

How do I know if my family is suspicious for hereditary breast cancer?

At Massachusetts General Hospital, we shared the following referral guidelines with Massachusetts General Hospital physicians so that they can use it to determine which patients should be sent to the Center for Cancer Risk Assessment for a consultation. Here are the guidelines:

• Patients who are diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 40.
• Patients diagnosed with ovarian cancer at any age.
• Patients with breast cancer diagnosed under the age of 50 with a relative with breast or ovarian cancer.
• A family with three individuals diagnosed with breast cancer (same lineage).
• Patient diagnosed with breast (under age 50) or ovarian cancer (any age) who is of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.
• Personal or family history of breast cancer in a male.

I meet one of the above guidelines. What is the next step I should take?

If you or your family fits one of the above guidelines, you should talk to your physician about getting a referral to see a genetic counselor to discuss the option of genetic testing.

How much does the BRACAnalysis test cost?

The cost of the test is $3120. Many insurance companies will cover the cost of the test if a healthcare provider determines the test to be medically necessary.

Why wouldn’t I get this test done? The more knowledge the better...right?

There are pros and cons to genetic testing.  Although testing can be useful for some patients/families, for others it is of limited benefit. For information about the risks, benefits, and limitations of genetic testing >