Genetic Testing
In general, if personal or family history is suggestive of a possible harmful mutation, patients should consult a healthcare provider.[17,18] Screening tools assess various risk factors, including early (prior to age 50 years) breast cancer diagnosis; bilateral breast cancer; personal or family history of breast and ovarian cancer; family history of multiple breast cancers; male breast cancer; Ashkenazi Jewish ethnicity; and family history of BRCA1- or BRCA2-related cancers.[17] Genetic testing and counseling are recommended for adult patients who have a relatively higher risk of developing a BRCA-related malignancy.[17,18]
There are hundreds of laboratory facilities capable of genetic testing, which requires a DNA sample from blood or saliva.[17] While specific BRCA testing is an option, multigene-panel testing (using next generation sequencing) can determine potentially harmful mutations in many other genes.[17,18]
US Pharmacist. 2018;43(9):HS10-HS17. © 2018 Jobson Publishing