How Does a BRCA Genetic Test Work? – The Dante Labs Review
Dante Labs offered me their BRCA genetic test, which I gladly accepted as I never had an evaluation focused on my BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These are very important as their mutations increase the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer in women, and prostate cancer in men. Here is my verdict.
The Angelina effect and why BRCA genes matter
The concept and practice of BRCA genetic testing became extremely popular after Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie publicized her results in 2013 alongside her decision to undergo a double mastectomy. A merciless but effective way to avoid getting breast cancer. Researchers even found that many women rushed to genetic testing the days after her announcement. The “Angelina effect” was so strong that based on insurance claims for nearly 10 million women aged 18 to 64, BRCA testing rose 64 percent in the US in the 15 days after Jolie described her BRCA results and surgery.
Although that was the outcome of an overhyped event, it is worth looking at what risks are associated with BRCA genes and what a BRCA genetic test can tell a tester. As described on the website of the US National Cancer Institute, BRCA1 and BRCA2 are genes producing tumor suppressor proteins, which help repair damaged DNA. When either of these genes is mutated or altered, such that its protein product either is not made or does not function correctly, DNA damage may not be repaired properly. As a result, cells are more likely to develop additional genetic alterations that ...
Source: The Medical Futurist - Category: Information Technology Authors: nora Tags: Genomics cancer gc3 genes Genetic testing genetics Health Healthcare Innovation personalized genetics Personalized medicine Source Type: blogs
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