Genetic Testing Available at Beijing United Family Hospital
Genetic testing is on the rise among women who believe they are at high risk for breast cancer, thanks partly, to Angelina Jolie’s public disclosure of her BRCA mutation results and subsequent preventative double mastectomy.
About 5 to 10 percent of breast and ovarian cancer cases diagnosed each year are due to an inherited gene. A greater awareness of genetic risk will help patients detect it at an early stage when treatment is more likely to be successful.
If you were ever worried about your family history of cancer and think you may have a higher risk of cancer, getting tested may save lives. Genetic testing for breast/ovarian cancer is now available at Beijing United Family Hospital.
Who should consider genetic testing for breast/ovarian cancer?
- A family history of breast and/or ovarian cancer
- A personal history of breast cancer at age 45 or younger
- Two or more primary types of BRCA1- or BRCA2-related cancers in a single family member
- Any case of male breast cancer
- Ashkenazi Jewish ethnicity
What test options does Beijing United Family Hospital offer?
Option 1: BRCA1 and BRCA 2
Together, BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations account for about 20 to 25 percent of hereditary breast cancers and about 5 to 10 percent of all breast cancers. In addition, mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 account for around 15 percent of ovarian cancers overall.
Option 2: 21 genes, including BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2, PALB2, BRIP1,TP53, PTEN, STK11, CDH1, ATM, BARD1, MLH1, MRE11A, MSH2, MSH6, MUTYH, NBN, PMS1,PMS2, RAD50, and RAD51C.
How is genetic testing done at Beijing United Family Hospital?
(1) Genetic counseling
A genetic consultation is carried out by an experienced oncologist or primary care doctor, where family history and medical history are discussed, and a breast examination is performed.
(2) Informed consent
The doctor gives education about the testing procedure, the benefits and limitations of the test, and the possible consequences of the test results, and then obtains permission from the person before proceeding with genetic testing.
(3) Sample collection
A blood sample is collected after the consultation at the clinic on the same day.
(4) Genetic testing
The sample is sent to a laboratory where technicians look for specific changes in chromosomes, DNA, or proteins, depending on thesuspected disorder.
(5) Counseling for genetic testing results
Once the test results are ready, a follow-up consultation is arranged to explain the results and provide plans to manage the person’s risk of breast cancer, such as enhanced screening and preventative treatment.
Does a positive genetic test result mean an individual will develop cancer?
A positive test result indicates that a person has inherited a known harmful mutation in a tested gene and therefore has an increased risk of developing breast/ovarian cancer.
What does a positive test result mean to the person’s family members?
If a person learns that he or she has inherited a harmful gene mutation, each of his or her child and full siblings has a 50 percent chance of having inherited the mutation as well.
What are the services offered to breast cancer patients by Beijing United Family Hospital?
At Beijing United Family Hospital, we offer comprehensive, patient-centered oncology services to breast cancer patients, including a multidisciplinary team clinic, breast cancer mastectomy/modified radical mastectomy/lumpectomy, sentinel lymph node biopsy, immediate breast reconstruction, chemotherapy, endocrinetherapy, targeting therapy, and radiation therapy.
Patients will receive an individualized treatment plan formulated by a multidisciplinary team consisting of oncologists, pathologists,radiologists, breast surgeons and plastic surgeons, who strive to achieve aesthetically pleasing results that preserve breast health.
Nutritionists, physical therapists, rehabilitation physicians, psychologists, and nurses work together to provide comprehensive care throughout the treatment and post-operative journey.
How to make an appointment for breast cancer genetic counseling and sample collection at BJU?
The genetic counseling and sample collection are carried out at United Family New Hope Oncology Center. Please call (010) 59277008, 8:30 –17:30 Monday to Friday, or 24hr Service Center at 4008-919191 to make an appointment.