Genetic Testing for Hereditary Breast, Ovarian and Other Cancers
At Texas Health Resources, genetic counseling and a genetic testing program is available to help women identify cancer risks and create a plan for monitoring health.
As a program participant, you will meet with a genetics counselor to review your personal and family history and to discuss any significant risk factors. You will learn about the role of genes in causing disease, disease risk, inheritance principles, genetic testing and monitoring options. After talking with the counselor, if you choose to pursue genetic testing, blood will be collected and sent for testing.
A laboratory will analyze the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes in the blood.
Who Might Benefit from Genetic Testing?
- A woman with breast cancer diagnosed before the age of 50.
- A person with colon cancer diagnosed before the age of 50.
- A person with uterine cancer diagnosed before the age of 50.
- Women of Ashkenazi/Eastern European Jewish descent who have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
- Women with a personal or family history of any of the following can also benefit from genetic testing:
- Ovarian cancer (at any age)
- Male breast cancer
- Person with both breast and ovarian cancer
- Bilateral breast cancer
For more information about genetic counseling services offered in the Texas Health Resources hospital system, call 1-877-THR-WELL (1-877-847-9355).
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