Is genomic cancer testing accurate for breast cancer at 42?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 42-year-old female, and my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at 48. I recently heard about cancer genome testing and wonder if it could help me understand my own risk and guide prevention or screening. Please tell me;

How accurate is this testing?
Is it recommended for someone with a family history like mine?

Kindly help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Because your mother had cancer at a young age, it is recommended that you do a genomic (genetic) test to check if you have a higher risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer in the future.

The test looks at more than 20 genes that can show if there’s an inherited risk. The sample can be taken from your saliva or your blood.

The result can be:

Positive: Means you have a higher risk.
Negative: Means there is no genetic risk.
Uncertain: Means we cannot tell yet if there is a risk.

If the result is uncertain, we do not take any action right away. We just follow up regularly.

If the result is positive, we take preventive steps, such as:

Doing a mammogram every year to detect any early changes.
Some women may take hormonal medicine like Tamoxifen (a selective estrogen receptor modulator) to reduce the risk.

In families with several breast or ovarian cancer cases, some women choose preventive surgery, but this depends on personal and family history.

I hope this information helps you.

Feel free to ask further queries.

Thank you.