I've tested positive for the BRCA gene. What comes next?

Posted in BRCA, ovarian cancer; Posted 3 years ago by Andreas Obermair

The genes most commonly tested for breast and ovarian cancer are BRCA1 and BRCA2. If a woman tests positive for faulty BRCA genes it is possible to benefit from measures for prevention and early detection of these cancers.

BRCA genes do not actually cause cancer. In fact, when working correctly they prevent cancer. When the gene is abnormal (sometimes referred to as faulty or mutated) that is when the risk of cancer increases.

Genetic testing to check for a BRCA mutation involves genetic counselling with a clinical geneticist followed by a blood or sputum test. Genetic counselling will involve discussing the potential risks, limitations and benefits of receiving genetic testing. It is available in Queensland through Genetic Health Queensland (publicly at no cost with a doctor’s referral; however strict eligibility criteria apply) or privately at a cost of around $400. The choice to proceed with genetic testing after meeting with a genetic counsellor is entirely up to the patient.

Genetic testing is only recommended in those diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer or people with a family history of BRCA or related cancers. I recommend that all patients with high-grade, serous ovarian cancer should be tested for BRCA1 and BRCA2.

The risk that the cancer is caused by an underlying BRCA mutation is approximately 15%.

How common is faulty BRCA genes?

Breast Cancer Network Australia estimates that abnormalities in BRCA1 or BRCA2 occur in about 1 in 400 Australian women. It is more common in people with Ashkenazi Jewish (Eastern Europe) heritage.

Increased cancer risk

If a woman tests positive for an abnormal BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene they have a high lifetime risk of developing breast cancer, compared to someone who does not have the mutation. A positive result does not mean a patient is certain to develop cancer. Cancer Australia reports breast cancer risk is increased in the range of 30-60%.

Women also have an increased risk of ovarian cancer, estimated to be about 40-60%. Men who carry a fault in BRCA1 or BRCA2 may also be at increased risk of prostate cancer and male breast cancer.

A person with a cancer-predisposing gene fault has a 50% chance of passing on the faulty gene to their biological child. A biological sibling also has a 50% chance of carrying that gene.

Benefits of BRCA genetic testing

• Screening: A patient can take measures to lower the risk of breast or ovarian cancer, such as more frequent cancer surveillance to reduce the risk of breast cancer or risk-reducing surgery to reduce the risk of developing ovarian cancer.
• The results of genetic testing may influence the selection of anti-cancer medication. BRCA carriers respond well to PARP Inhibitors, which are a relatively new class of cancer drugs that work very effectively in patients with BRCA mutations.
• Positive results will impact on immediate family members' risk of developing certain cancers, and may influence their decision to receive genetic testing.

Negative BRCA results

An individual who is found not to carry the gene mutation is considered to be at average risk of cancer, same as the general population. It’s possible to still have other risk factors that increase cancer gynaecological cancer risk, and you can read more about them here.

Clinical management options in BRCA positive patients

While the risk is increased for faulty BRCA positive patients, it is possible to benefit from precautions for prevention and early detection of cancers. Measures will differ for patients depending on age, medical history, personal cancer history, prior treatments and surgeries and their preferences.

Breast cancer

Regular breast cancer screening (ultrasound, MRI) is recommended. Patients also have the option of prophylactic surgery (mastectomy). In regards to the breast aspect of BRCA, I refer women to qualified breast surgeons. 

Ovarian cancer

Unfortunately, ovarian cancer screening is inaccurate due to a lack of reliable ultrasound and tumour marker tests. You can read more about how reliable tumour marker tests are here.

The oral contraceptive pill may be prescribed as it reduces ovarian cancer risk by 50%.

Risk-reducing prophylactic surgery is the most effective option and is >95% effective in reducing a person’s ovarian cancer risk. Even though prophylactic surgery lowers a BRCA positive patients risk significantly, it still does not completely eliminate the risk. It is recommended for premenopausal women who are willing to have IVF; and for postmenopausal women. Prophylactic surgery to remove the ovaries also reduces the risk of breast cancer significantly. The earlier the ovaries are removed, the higher the protection against breast cancer.

Read more about risk-reducing prophylactic surgery to remove the ovaries here.

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