Breast Cancer Genetic Counselling and Testing

Some breast cancers are linked to the presence of abnormal genes that can be inherited through families. A few of the well-known genes linked with breast cancer are the BRCA 1, BRCA 2 and PALB2 genes. Those with a strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer among the female members of the family and prostate cancer among men, are recommended to have genetic counselling and testing.
What do these tests tell you?
- It detects whether you carry the abnormal genes (BRCA 1, BRCA 2 and PALB2) which higher your risk for breast cancer.
What do you do following the results?
- If you are found to have those abnormal genes, reach out to your specialist who will go through the risk reducing modalities and preventive measures that you can take.
- If you do not carry the abnormal genes, carry on with routine screening as recommended as being a female itself carries a higher risk for breast cancer.
Ensure to reach out to a specialist to know if you are in the high risk category before testing for any abnormal genes.