What's the name of genetic testing that AngelinaJolie had, giving her the info about her risk of cancer?

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are human genes that belong to a class of genes known as tumor suppressors.

In normal cells, BRCA1 and BRCA2 help ensure the stability of the cell’s genetic material (DNA) and help prevent uncontrolled cell growth. Mutation of these genes has been linked to the development of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

The names BRCA1 and BRCA2 stand for breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 and breast cancer susceptibility gene 2, respectively.

The tests are typically ordered by a doctor who is concerned about a patient's risk of developing breast cancer. It's an expensive test ($4,000) and only one lab, Myriad Labs, does the test. Many insurance companies will fight paying for the test.

In my own case, my mother died of breast cancer metastases at age 52, only 13 months after diagnosis. I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 48. My insurance company said they wouldn't pay for the BRCA test because my mother wasn't under age 50 when she was diagnosed. I went through the appeals process and my insurance company finally agreed to pay for the test. It won't help me a bit, but it may be helpful for my siblings and my daughter.

Here's some additional information:

** BRCA1 and BRCA2 are human genes that belong to a class of genes known as tumor suppressors. Mutation of these genes has been linked to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

** A woman's risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer is greatly increased if she inherits a deleterious (harmful) BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. Men with these mutations also have an increased risk of breast cancer. Both men and women who have harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations may be at increased risk of other cancers.

** Genetic tests are available to check for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. A blood sample is required for these tests, and genetic counseling is recommended before and after the tests.

** If a harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation is found, several options are available to help a person manage their cancer risk.

** Federal and state laws help ensure the privacy of a person’s genetic information and provide protection against discrimination in health insurance and employment practices.

** Many research studies are being conducted to find newer and better ways of detecting, treating, and preventing cancer in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers. Additional studies are focused on improving genetic counseling methods and outcomes. Our knowledge in these areas is evolving rapidly.

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/...

the only considered one of those questions genetics could answer isn't any be counted if the kin history of maximum cancers is genetics appropriate or way of existence or sporadic. And the question that provide help to recognize how probable that's to be genetic is this: how previous have been people who have been given the 1st 3 varieties of maximum cancers, and how lots of them smoked? If the prostate maximum cancers history grow to be all with onset previous age sixty 5, no concerns; in the event that they have been under 50 this is plenty greater probable to be genetic and if between 50 and sixty 5 and you're a guy and it is your dad who had it, you may get screened beginning age 40 as a substitute of the time-honored age 50. For abdomen and colon maximum cancers, if it grow to be youthful than age 50, or if it grow to be distinctive family, then it could be genetic. If it grow to be one kin member or older, no longer so probable. For skin maximum cancers brought about by potential of sunlight radiation, the perfect ingredient to do is to verify your physique for extraordinary moles, and verify frequently.

It's a test for the BRCA1 mutation, it's a blood test and any doctor can order it.

I think I read BRCA1. Any doctor can order the lab test.