No mutations in my BRCA genes

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My genetic testing results came back negative for BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.

So what does this mean for me? Essentially it means I have a mutation in a gene other than BRCA1 or BRCA2 that has increased my cancer risk, but the mutation was not detectable by the BRCA test.

It also means that my breast cancer was caused by another type of gene mutation, likely coming from my father's side of the family (various types of cancer, including breast cancer in females and males, features heavily in multiple generations on my Dad's family tree).

BRCA Fast Facts
Did you know that every human has both the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes? Despite what their names might suggest, BRCA genes do not cause breast cancer. These genes normally play a big role in preventing breast cancer; they help repair DNA breaks that can lead to cancer and the uncontrolled growth of tumors. However, a small percentage of people (about one in 400, or 0.25% of the population) carry mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. When a BRCA gene is mutated, it may no longer be effective at repairing broken DNA and helping to prevent breast cancer. Because of this, people with a BRCA gene mutation are more likely to develop breast cancer, and more likely to develop cancer at a younger age. (Source: https://www.nationalbreastcancer.org/what-is-brca)

Talk to your GP or health care specialist about genetic testing for breast cancer.

More information is available from the Cancer Council or Cancer Australia.



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