Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. A breast cancer (BRCA) gene test is a blood test to check for changes (mutations) in genes called BRCA1 and BRCA2. This test can help you know your chance of getting breast cancer and ovarian cancer. A BRCA gene test does not test for cancer itself. BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes that help control normal cell growth. Sometimes, people inherit changes in one of these genes. These changes are called mutations. If you inherit a mutation in a BRCA (say "BRAH-kuh") gene, you have a greater risk of breast and ovarian cancers as well as some other cancers, such as prostate and pancreatic cancers. You can inherit the gene changes from either your mother's or father's side of the family. BRCA gene changes aren't common. Your doctor may talk to you about testing based on your family medical history or your personal medical history. If you are concerned that you may have a BRCA gene change, talk with your doctor. You can have genetic testing to find out if you have the BRCA mutation. A test may look just for BRCA gene changes. Or you may have a multigene panel test that also looks for other genes that can raise your cancer risk. There are some important things to keep in mind when you are thinking about having a BRCA gene test. It is very important to have genetic counseling both before and after this test. It can help you understand the benefits, risks, and possible outcomes of the test. A BRCA gene test is done to find out if you have BRCA gene changes that increase your risk of breast, ovarian, and some other cancers. You might consider this test if you or your family have certain health problems or risk factors. Examples include having one or more members of your family who've had breast, ovarian, prostate, or pancreatic cancer, being diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50, and having an Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. You may feel better if the test shows that you don't have a BRCA mutation. If the test shows that you do have a BRCA mutation, you may be able to make some decisions that could reduce your cancer risk. If you are concerned that you may have a BRCA gene change, talk with your doctor. The information from a BRCA gene test can have a deep impact on your life. So it's very important to get genetic counseling before you have this test. A genetic counselor can talk with you about the test, what the results mean, and your medical and emotional concerns. If you have a family member who has breast or ovarian cancer, you may want to ask that family member to have a gene test first. If your relative's test finds a changed BRCA gene, you and other family members can then be tested for that specific gene change. A genetic counselor can talk with you about the test and what you might learn from it. A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm. When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle. Or you might feel a quick sting or pinch. There is very little chance of having a problem from this test. When a blood sample is taken, a small bruise may form at the site. It may take several weeks to get the results of your test. No changes were found in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. A negative result and your overall family risk must be considered together. If you have a strong family history of breast, ovarian, or some other cancers like pancreatic or prostate cancer, your cancer risk may be higher than normal even if you have a negative BRCA result. BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene changes are present. Your range of risk will depend on the type of genes you have and your personal and family history. This result may mean that a BRCA gene change (other than BRCA1 or BRCA2) is present. Researchers don't know whether some BRCA gene changes increase the risk of cancer. Current as of: November 15, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Current as of: November 15, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review Board This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.Breast Cancer (BRCA) Gene Test
Test Overview
Why It Is Done
How To Prepare
How It Is Done
How It Feels
Risks
Other risks
Results
Normal (negative)
Abnormal (positive)
Uncertain (BRCA variant of uncertain significance, or VUS)
Related Information
Credits
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein. Current as of: November 15, 2023 Author: Healthwise Staff Clinical Review BoardBreast Cancer (BRCA) Gene Test
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.