There are a lot of questions when it comes to genetic testing related to breast cancer. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Andrea Behr, a breast surgeon at SSM Health in St. Louis answers your questions to keep you informed.
What is genetic testing and what exactly does it tell you?
Genetic testing is a simple blood or saliva test that analyzes your DNA looking at a number of different genes to see if there are any mutations that may increase your risk of breast or other cancers. This includes the BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 genes in addition to many other more newly discovered gene abnormalities. The test looks to see if these genes have any harmful mutations. The BRCA-1 or BRCA-2 genes are linked to an increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer compared to the rest of the population.
What is genetic counseling and where can you find a genetic counselor?
Genetic counseling is the first step. Before getting genetic testing, you can meet with a health care provider to review your health history and family history to determine if testing is right for you. After the test, that provider can help you understand how your results relate to you specifically and what screening or treatment options might work best for you. It also provides important information for your family members in terms of their need for testing. Your primary care provider is able to refer you to a specialist that you can meet with for genetic counseling.
Who should have genetic counseling and testing?
Genetic testing is a personal decision and one that should be made in partnership with a health care professional. This isn’t a test regularly performed on women with an average risk of breast and ovarian cancers. Any woman with a personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer should ask their doctor if they meet criteria for genetic testing . Guidelines are constantly evolving and more patients are eligible for genetic testing, including almost all women with a history of breast or ovarian cancer. If you have already had BRCA testing in the past, follow up with your provider about updated panel testing to look at more than just those 2 genes. A lot has changed in the last decade!
Is genetic counseling and testing covered by insurance?
The provider performing your testing should know if insurance will cover your testing or not based on whether you meet certain criteria. Most genetic testing companies have a policy to call and inform patients if there will be an out of pocket cost before running the test so that there are no surprise bills. There are also many financial help options with genetic testing companies.
SSM Health offers a cancer risk assessment that focuses on personal and family history, environmental and lifestyle factors, and genetics so you can make empowered health decisions. Sometimes a proactive approach is the best approach. Genetic counseling appointments are covered by most insurance plans, but check with your insurance carrier first. Then find a genetic counselor near you and schedule an appointment today.
Dr. Behr, born and raised in St. Charles County, is board certified in general surgery with a specialty in breast surgical oncology. She takes special interest in the spectrum of breast diseases including benign issues as well as breast cancer. She consults with patients at higher-risk, such as those with a family history of breast cancer or prior breast biopsies showing atypical findings. She is passionate about hidden scar surgery and bringing it to the public as an option for anyone having breast surgery.
