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Genetic Testing for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility: A Public Health Perspective

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Genetic Testing for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility: A Public Health Perspective


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Welcome to the Public Health Perspective Series, the Office of Genomics and Disease Prevention's highlights page. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers occurring among women. Ovarian cancer, although not as common, is associated with a higher mortality rate than breast cancer. Genetic testing is available to look for mutations in two breast cancer susceptibility genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2. However, most cases of breast cancer/ovarian cancer are not associated with inherited susceptibility  mutations.

Because BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations are not common, most women will not benefit from testing. However, for the small group of women who  are candidates, the choice for or against genetic testing for breast/ovarian cancer susceptibility may not be an easy one. The complexity of interpreting  genetic information, the uncertainty of the health outcome, and issues of privacy and discrimination surrounding genetics complicate the decision.

The following pages provide facts and resources to public health professionals to help women and their families understand hereditary breast/ovarian cancer and the implications of genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2.

"Out of 10,000 women, 1000 will have a mother or sister who has had breast cancer, but only 15 have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation that confers a high risk. It is estimated that in a primary care practice of 1000 patients, 1 case of inherited breast cancer will be diagnosed every 1 to 2 years, but 1 case of inherited breast cancer due to BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation will be diagnosed every 20 years."

Linda E. Pinsky, et al
West J Med 2001;175:168-173



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The Public Health Perspective
 
   
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Genetic Testing for BRCA 1 and BRCA 2
 
   
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Basic Facts About Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer
 
   
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The Genetics of Hereditary Breast Cancer Susceptibility due to mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2
 
   
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Family History, Breast Cancer and Ovarian Cancer
 
   
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News Testing for Breast and Ovarian Cancer in the News
 
  • B.C. to resume genetic testing for cancer
    (February 15, 2003) CTV.ca reports, "Genetic testing for hereditary and ovarian cancer is set to resume in B.C. using new procedures that the provincial health minister believes won't violate U.S. patents."
   
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Additional Resources
 
   
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Support Groups
 
  • Cancer Genetics Services Directory
    This directory lists professionals who provide services related to cancer genetics (cancer risk assessment, genetic counseling, genetic susceptibility testing, and others). These professionals have applied to be listed in this directory.
  • Cancer Support
    Support page from NCI for patients living with cancer. Includes facts sheets for other family members living with cancer, finances, insurance, support groups and other links.
   
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Reader's Forum
 

The Reader's Forum is an opportunity to share your thoughts about Genetic Testing for Breast and Ovarian Cancer Susceptibility:  A Public Health Perspective. Please participate by sending us your comments on this or any in our series of Public Health Perspectives.

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Last Updated October 25, 2004