BRCA Plus Test (Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer)

The BRCA Plus test is a comprehensive study of all the genes associated with the development of cancer. However, there is also a more specific test available, which Operarme also offers you.

• BRCA1 and BRCA2 Test: This is a test that analyzes exclusively the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, as these genes are most strongly associated with an increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. 

However, BRCA1 and BRCA2 are not always responsible for the development of breast and ovarian cancer. Therefore, there is a need for a broader test that not only expands the genetic study but also assesses predisposition to other diseases, such as prostate cancer.

Both tests are performed at Megalab's extraction center.

Every year, nearly 2 million new cases of breast cancer and more than 230,000 cases of ovarian cancer are diagnosed. Between 5–10% of breast cancer cases and approximately 20% of ovarian cancer cases are hereditary.

Familial or hereditary breast and ovarian cancer are often associated with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These genes normally act as tumor suppressors. Thus, when there is a pathogenic mutation in these genes, their tumor-suppressing function is impaired.

However, only about 25% of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer cases are due to mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2. There are other genes related to these types of cancer that must also be studied to provide healthcare professionals with more complete information.

The BRCA Plus test is a comprehensive genetic study that analyzes all the genes associated with the risk of developing hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. It is performed using a blood sample, which is analyzed for all the genes linked to the development of these diseases.

Below you will find all the information about the BRCA Plus Test.

Familial, or hereditary, breast and ovarian cancer are most commonly associated with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. These genes act as tumor suppressors, meaning that under normal conditions, they help prevent cancer development.

However, when BRCA1 and BRCA2 carry certain mutations, their function is compromised and they are no longer able to effectively suppress tumor growth.

While breast cancer affects about 12% of the population and ovarian cancer affects approximately 1.3%, women who inherit a genetic mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes have a significantly higher risk of developing cancer.

Moreover, between 40% and 55% of women with a genetic mutation have an increased predisposition to develop breast or ovarian cancer.

But why choose the BRCA Plus Test?

The BRCA Plus Test is more comprehensive. In addition to analyzing the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, it includes a broader study of all the genes associated with hereditary gynecological cancers.

For this reason, the results obtained from the BRCA Plus Test provide highly reliable and detailed information about an individual’s risk of developing these types of cancers.

The BRCA Plus test, designed to assess the predisposition to develop breast and/or ovarian cancer, is recommended when there are specific factors that warrant it. 

Typically, individuals who undergo this test have either developed cancer at an early age or have a family history suggesting the possibility of inheriting a genetic mutation in BRCA1, BRCA2, or other cancer-related genes.

Mutations in genes associated with the development of breast and ovarian cancer significantly increase the risk of developing these diseases.

Women who meet any of the following criteria should undergo close monitoring of their specific case. It is also important to note that this test is not solely intended for assessing the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. The BRCA Plus Test also detects mutations in genes associated with prostate cancer, such as BRCA2.

The BRCA Plus Test is recommended in the following cases:

• Women with family members diagnosed with breast, ovarian, fallopian tube, or peritoneal cancer
• Women diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer
• Women diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 50
• Women with two family members diagnosed with breast cancer, one of whom was diagnosed before the age of 50 or had bilateral breast cancer
• Families with three cases of breast and ovarian cancer, with at least one case of ovarian cancer among first- or second-degree relatives
• Women with two cases of ovarian cancer among first- or second-degree relatives
• Women with cancer in both breasts
• Women with multiple primary breast cancers
• Cases of male breast cancer
• One case of male breast cancer plus one case of breast or ovarian cancer in a first- or second-degree relative

If you meet any of these criteria, your probability of developing cancer may be higher. However, it is also possible to meet one or more of these conditions and never actually develop cancer.

When the BRCA Plus familial breast and ovarian cancer test detects a pathogenic mutation, it is necessary to extend the study to the patient’s relatives, as there is a 50% chance that a child could inherit the genetic mutation from the carrier parent.

If you fall into one of these categories and require a more comprehensive genetic study, you can purchase the BRCA Plus Test to determine whether you are at risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer.

Click on the image below to schedule your test at the Megalab laboratory in your city.

Do you need to perform an Hereditary Cancer test?

Purchase your medical voucher easily under Operarme's guarantees and select your nearest Megalab laboratory.

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The BRCA Plus hereditary breast and ovarian cancer test is performed at any Megalab extraction center, after scheduling an appointment.

Megalab is a network of more than 60 clinical laboratories across Spain, specializing in diagnostic testing in clinical analysis and anatomical pathology.

The laboratories are equipped with the latest technological advancements to carry out all types of diagnostic tests, including the BRCA Plus Test.

Megalab has over 25 years of experience and a proven track record. It also leads the management of laboratory services, with a presence in 54 private hospitals. Currently, more than 500 centers send their samples to Megalab’s headquarters in Madrid, where approximately 10,000 analyses are conducted daily.

The BRCA Plus familial breast and ovarian cancer test is performed through a simple blood test. Using the sample, all genes associated with the development of breast and ovarian cancer are analyzed.

For the analysis, only a small amount of blood is needed. Right after collection, the laboratory nurse will place the sample in a test tube and send it for analysis.

This test does not require any special preparation, so fasting beforehand is not necessary.

In summary, the process for the BRCA Plus Test is as follows:

• Your doctor prescribes the BRCA Plus familial breast and ovarian cancer test.
• You visit the Megalab center in your city for the geneticists to collect your blood sample.
• The sample is placed in a test tube and sent to the laboratory for analysis.

A medical prescription is required to perform this test.

Afterwards, the Megalab genetics team will explain how to access your results:

1. You will be given an access code to enter your private area online.
2. From there, you can check the status of your test report.
3. If the report is not yet available, it will appear as "pending”.

You will also be given the phone number of the laboratory where the test was performed, in case you have any questions while awaiting the results.

After approximately 30 days, Megalab will send your results. You will then have the opportunity to schedule a phone consultation with a genetic counselor, who will explain the significance of the findings for you and your family.

In addition to the blood extraction and genetic analysis, the phone consultation with the genetic counselor is included in the test price. During the consultation, the geneticist will help you understand and interpret your results.

The genetic counseling session can be scheduled after completing the test, once the results are available.

But what is the purpose of the post-test consultation?

• To understand the medical implications of the results for you and your family.
  
  
• To determine the risk of passing a mutation on to your children if the result is positive. If you have siblings (from the same parents), there is a 50% chance they may also carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation.
  
  
• To provide information about recommended protocols and actions.
  
  

Although all this information will be detailed in your results report, the genetic counselor will help you fully understand the process and the importance of the information obtained through the BRCA Plus Test.

Understanding the implications of the results is crucial for ensuring appropriate monitoring and adopting the necessary preventive measures. Based on the analysis data, your doctor will recommend the most suitable course of action.

The BRCA Plus test is a comprehensive study that analyzes all the genes associated with the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.

Although mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are most commonly linked to an increased cancer risk, the BRCA Plus test does not only detect pathogenic mutations in these two genes, but in all related genes as well.

In addition, the BRCA Plus gynecological cancer test offers a series of unique advantages:

• Advanced technology. The BRCA Plus test uses cutting-edge technology specifically designed to analyze each gene associated with breast and ovarian cancer.
• Simple and comfortable process. The test requires only a blood or saliva sample.
• Comprehensive, accurate, and easy-to-understand report. The results will be available in no more than 30 days.
• Access to a genetic counseling session to discuss the implications of the results for you and your family members, if needed.

Highly reliable information regarding the risk of hereditary breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer.

Operarme collaborates with the Megalab laboratory. If you have any questions regarding the test, feel free to contact us by calling at +34 91 141 33 56, or by filling out the contact form.

If you would like to take the BRCA Plus Test to check your risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer, you can purchase it by clicking on the image below.

Do you need to perform an Hereditary Cancer test?

Purchase your medical voucher easily under Operarme's guarantees and select your nearest Megalab laboratory.

Purchase Test