As you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We’re wrapping up the month with these myths about breast and ovarian cancer genetic testing options.
If you’re concerned about your risk for breast or ovarian cancer but are hesitating to call a genetic counselor about your testing options, here are five myths Jaime Grund, genetic counselor at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, wants to debunk for you:
Myth 1: BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 are the only genes associated with breast and ovarian cancer.
Much to these hereditary breast and ovarian cancer genes, but the truth is they’re only half the story. BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 actually only account for half of the hereditary breast cancer genes.
“Newer technology has allowed us to study additional genes in families suspicious for a hereditary cancer risk, and we are identifying mutations in other cancer-related genes,” Grund said.
Testing today routinely involves “panel testing” to identify not only BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 carriers, but also carriers of other cancer-related genes, each with its own unique cancer risks.
Even families who have undergone previous testing for BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 mutations with negative (or normal) results should consider panel testing if their family history suggests hereditary cancer, as there could be a mutation in a different cancer-related gene.
Myth 2: Only your mom’s side of the family is important.
Both sides of your family history are important to consider for breast and ovarian cancer risk assessment.
“For some reason, there is a myth in many people’s minds that you only need to consider the maternal side of the family,” Grund said. “However, the genes associated with hereditary cancer risk pass equally through males and females to their sons and daughters.”
That means, if you have a paternal grandmother or aunt with ovarian cancer or early-onset breast cancer, you need to let your doctor know.
Myth 3: Genetic testing is too expensive.
Although this used to be true, with women paying thousands of dollars out-of-pocket for testing, recent advances in technology and an expansion in the number of laboratories offering genetic testing have led to a significant drop in out-of-pocket costs for those with a reason to test, Grund said.
Insurance companies, often including Medicare and Medicaid, now will cover much, it not all, of the cost. Additionally, may labs will conduct the pre-authorization process and make sure you are comfortable with any cost prior to completing the test. This ensures no one is blindsided by unexpected laboratory bills.
Myth 4: Cancer genes skip generations.
The majority of cancer genes are dominantly inherited, meaning they can pass through each generation. Although they may appear to skip a generation because having a mutation doesn’t ensure a diagnosis of cancer in the carrier during their lifetime, even those carriers without a cancer diagnosis can pass the gene mutation on to their offspring, increasing that individual’s lifetime risk of cancer.
Myth 5: There is no reason to test because there is nothing you can do about the results.
“This is simply not true,” Grund said. “The goal is to prevent a diagnosis or catch it early.”
People identified with gene changes that increase their risk of cancer have many options for risk reduction, including cancer screening, medications and preventative surgeries. If an individual already has a cancer diagnosis, testing can prevent a second diagnosis and inform his or her family members of their risks.
Conversely, those that test negative for known familial gene mutations can avoid additional screening that may not be necessary.
The bottom line? Genetic testing is crucial for those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
