Doctors Concerned About Home Testing Kits for Ovarian and Breast Cancers

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are common inherited genetic mutations that may increase the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer. Women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes have a 60% risk of breast cancer and a 15-40% risk of ovarian cancer within their lifetime. In normal cell activity, BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes prevent the development of tumor growths. However, with abnormal mutations to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, this can lead to breast, ovarian, or other forms of cancer. Other risk factors, such as age and obesity, may also make some women more susceptible to developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer.

Nowadays, genetic testing identifies any abnormal changes, more specifically in women with a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer.

Scientists reveal that a large percentage of breast cancer cases are not inherited; however, for women who have a family history of the disease, there is a test known as the BRCA test.

The genetic testing company, Color, has created a testing kit based on a saliva sample that women can use in the privacy of their own homes. The testing kit is prepared with a saliva collection tube and prepaid return label, and includes a BRCA1 and BRCA2 test report, complementary genetic counseling, as well as the latest news on genetics.

How it works

The test is bought online. It requires a woman to send a saliva sample in a tube and then mail it back to Color using the prepaid return label. After being analyzed in a lab, she can receive the results online within 3-4 weeks and meet with a certified genetic counselor to discuss matters further. From there, along with a healthcare provider, each woman can use her individual results to tailor her personalized screening and prevention plan.

The new BRCA test by Color only looks at two specific BRCA genes and estimates the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer based on abnormal mutations. It has been identified as a simple and affordable way for women to uncover if they have BRCA genetic mutations. “We’ve tried to democratize access to this type of genetic information around breast and ovarian cancer risk and we wanted to do it in a responsible way,” said Elad Gil, the founder of Color.

The subject received a great deal of attention after actress Angelina Jolie tested positive for abnormal BRCA1. Jolie’s mother died at the age of 56 after a 10 year battle with ovarian cancer. After undergoing testing herself, Jolie learned that she had an 87% risk of breast cancer and 50% risk of ovarian cancer. She underwent preventive double mastectomy and later had her ovaries removed for the purpose of reducing her personal cancer risk. “I want to encourage every woman, especially if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, to seek out the information and medical experts who can help you through this aspect of your life, and to make your own informed choices” she said.