BRCA testing - Frequently asked questions
What is the purpose of genetic screening for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer risk?
This test provides an opportunity to shed light on inherited genetic variations that can significantly increase the lifetime risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, for example, can increase the risk of breast cancer by up to 80% and ovarian cancer by 60%. In men, certain variations can also increase the risk of prostate cancer. The test can therefore provide important clues in prevention and early detection.
Who is recommended to undergo the test?
Screening for hereditary cancer diseases can be especially useful for those who have a family history of breast, ovarian, prostate or pancreatic cancer. The test may also be justified if the person has already developed cancer, especially if it occurred at a younger age. It is important to know that the test may be recommended not only for women, but also for men, for example in the case of prostate cancer or pancreatic cancer that occurs at a young age. It is also important to know that the BRCA test can be performed on a clinical genetic indication.
How is the examination done?
The screening begins with genetic counseling, where our specialist reviews your family and personal medical history. If the doctor deems it appropriate, we take a blood sample from which DNA is extracted in a laboratory. We then use modern, next-generation sequencing technology to analyze the genes associated with the risk of developing hereditary cancer.
What does the test package contain?
The most advanced genetic screening tests not only the most well-known BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, but also more than 23 other genes important for cancer susceptibility. This allows us to identify rare mutations that a more common, simpler test would not detect. Once the results are in, our team of experts will help you interpret them, discuss further actions, and review possible preventive measures.
The test package includes the BRCA genetic test.
The mandatory consultation prior to the test is paid separately during the consultation, to the institution conducting the consultation, the Istenhegyi Genetic Diagnostics Center.
What could the result mean?
Positive result: The test detects a genetic variation that may increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer. In this case, more frequent screening is recommended, and in some cases, risk-reducing measures may also be considered. Segregation testing for the genetic mutation may also be recommended for family members.
Negative result: If no error is found in the test genes, the individual risk is significantly reduced, however, it is important to keep in mind that the majority of tumors are not hereditary, so regular screening tests and a healthy lifestyle are still important.
Variant of unknown significance: In this case, a rare gene variant is identified, the effects of which are not yet sufficiently scientifically known to determine whether they are benign or malignant. In such cases, our genetic doctors will help you decide what to do next.
What are the benefits of having the test done?
- It helps to develop a personalized prevention strategy.
- It provides the opportunity to detect the tumor at an early stage, when it is still treatable.
- In the event of a positive result, targeted screening tests may even prevent the development of the tumor.
- In the event of a negative result, it can provide reassuring information about your own and your family members' future risk.
- In the case of cancer patients, the result helps in surgical, oncological and genetic decision-making, thus it can significantly contribute to the healing process.
Could the test pose a risk?
The physical risks of the test are minimal, as it involves a simple blood draw. However, the emotional strain can be significant, especially if the result is positive. In this case, psychological and genetic counseling is available if necessary to help you process the situation.
How is the investigation conducted?
If the need for an oncological or hereditary genetic test – such as a BRCA test – arises during Villa Medicina's gynecological appointments, the staff of the Istenhegyi Genetic Diagnostics Center will contact you directly based on the Patient's data (name, email address, phone number).
After this, we will schedule a personal or online genetic consultation, during which an experienced genetic specialist will discuss with you in detail your family history, risks, and the need for BRCA testing.
The consultation fee is 35,000 HUF, which is payable directly to Istenhegyi Géndiagnosztika.
If the specialist considers it justified to perform a genetic test based on the consultation, he will inform you about this on the spot and also indicate that the blood test can be taken at the Villa Medicina clinic.
You will pay the blood collection fee at Villa Medicina on the day of the sample collection.
The results of the BRCA test take approximately 4 weeks. You will receive the results directly.
If the test shows a positive result, Istenhegyi Gene Diagnostics provides another genetic consultation to interpret the results, during which the geneticist will explain in detail the further steps and options.