breast cancer, regardless of family history or ancestry,” Dr. Esplin says.
4. Negative results can positively impact your health.
It’s no secret that a negative result can be a relief, but it can also serve as vital information that guides your future care, according to a study that reported genetic testing positively impacted health outcomes for 2/3 of patients with positive results and 1/3 of patients with negative results.
“A negative genetic test result can lead to appropriate care decisions, avoiding unnecessary interventions for patients at average risk,” Dr. Esplin adds.
5. The genetic testing process involves a blood sample.
If you are considering getting a genetic test, which requires a blood sample, Dr. Esplin advises discussing with your primary healthcare provider.
“It is important to discuss testing with a doctor or counselor, share family history information, and understand the logistics of the testing process before undergoing genetic testing,” Dr. Esplin notes.
6. Results can inform personalized treatment and prevention strategies.
Genetic test results serve as a roadmap to personalized treatment and prevention strategies. They help healthcare professionals tailor care plans to each patient’s unique genetic makeup, leading to more effective and targeted care.
“Genetic testing results can help guide surgical interventions, eligibility for targeted therapeutics, and precision prevention measures for patients based on their individual genetics,” Dr. Esplin adds.
7. Genetic testing can inform your decision about getting surgery.
As noted above, genetic testing can inform decisions regarding the type of surgery a patient may choose. While some individuals may opt for bilateral mastectomy (removal of both breasts) to reduce their risk of developing cancer in the unaffected breast, others may choose unilateral mastectomy (removal of only the affected breast) based on their genetic test results and personal preferences.
Dr. Esplin highlights a study where 11 percent of patients with breast cancer who were planning bilateral mastectomy chose unilateral mastectomy after receiving genetic testing results.
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8. You’ll learn if you carry the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.
According to a study, 90 percent of individuals with mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2, which causes hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome, don’t know they have it.
For individuals with these mutations, genetic testing can be particularly important in guiding decisions about preventive measures, such as prophylactic mastectomy or oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries).
9. Genetic testing is becoming mainstream in medical care.
“Companies like Invitae are working to make genetic testing accessible and expand guidelines to ensure that nobody who needs testing has to go without it, improving healthcare for billions of patients worldwide.”
If you or a loved one is facing breast cancer, don’t hesitate to discuss genetic testing with your healthcare provider. It can provide valuable information that may impact your treatment and care decisions.
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and there are resources available to help you navigate the process.
“Genetic testing has the power to transform cancer care by providing personalized treatment options and prevention strategies tailored to each individual’s genetic makeup. Everyone with breast cancer should consider genetic testing to ensure they have access to the most advanced care available,” Dr. Esplin concludes.