Genetic Counselling & Testing

Some patents may be referred for genetic testing if your treatment team feels that this will benefit you and your family.

Patients that will typically be referred include:

Young patients diagnosed before the age of 50 with breast cancer
Patients with a very strong family history of breast cancer, especially if it includes a first degree relative like a mother or sister
Any male patient diagnosed with breast cancer
A patient with a very strong family history of other cancers like colon cancer
A patient with cancer in both breast

What is Genetic Counselling & Testing?

A genetic counselling session starts with gathering information regarding a patient’s personal and family history of cancer. Based on this information, the diagnosis or risk of having a certain genetic cause for the cancer is discussed. The genetic counsellor may also explain how this gene may be passed on in a family and how it may impact possible other conditions. If appropriate and the patient agrees, a simple blood test will be taken to test for certain genes that are associated with the development of breast cancer. The most common of these genes are the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Other genes may be tested for if there is a strong family history of other cancers.

Why may Genetic Testing be important?

If a genetic reason for your breast cancer is found it may impact on the following:

The type of surgery you have – it may be better to consider rather having both breasts removed to limit your future risks
It will enable your team to better monitor you for other cancers or diseases that may be associated with such a gene and refer you to other doctors that may help with this like a gynaecologist (the breast cancer gene may also cause cancer of the ovaries)
It will help your family – if you have children they may also want to test for the gene and be more proactive in screening and follow-up to try and prevent a cancer diagnosis

Genetic testing may sound scary but it can be very empowering to take control of your health and future. If you are offered genetic testing, please consider taking the opportunity for both yourself and your loved ones.