BRACAnalysis Genetic Test - Overview

BRACAnalysis® is a test that assesses your risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). The test is appropriate for many individuals with a personal and/or family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer. Genetic scientists have found a link between mutations within the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and developing hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, and the BRACAnalysis test can tell you if you have one of these genetic mutations.



To find out if you are a candidate, you have to first find out if you are at risk. If your personal or family history includes any of the following red flags, you may be at risk*:

• Breast cancer before age 50

• Ovarian cancer at any age

• 2 primary breast cancers in an individual

• Both breast and ovarian cancer in an individual

• Male breast cancer at any age

• 2 or more breast cancers in a family, one under age 50

• Women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent with breast or ovarian cancer at any age

• A previously identified BRCA mutation in the family

* Selected from medical society guidelines. For complete guidelines go to: http://www.myriadtests.com/index.php?page_id=203



If you have any of these red flags, make an appointment with your health care professional to discuss your personal and family history and the benefits of BRACAnalysis testing. Your doctor may then collect a small sample of blood or saliva and send it to Myriad's laboratory to be processed. After approximately two weeks, the completed analysis will be sent to your health care professional who should schedule a follow-up appointment to review the results.



A negative result will indicate that no mutation of either BRCA genes was found and the chance of having HBOC is significantly reduced. Your cancer risks should be managed by your healthcare professional based on your family history.



A result of a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) means that a change or mutation was identified in one of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, but it is not known if this change is linked to breast cancer or ovarian cancer. This result does not mean cancer will or will not occur, but rather that the test is not conclusive and further testing may be helpful. Your cancer risks should be managed by your health care professional, based on your family history.



A positive result means that a deleterious mutation in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene was found and therefore you have HBOC syndrome. This does not mean that you have cancer or will have cancer, but that you have a significantly higher risk of developing breast cancer or ovarian cancer. You and your health care professional should discuss your medical management options.