Do you know what BRCA1 and BRCA2 are, and how these work? These are not just alphanumeric characters; they reside in your body and play an important role in determining your health. Read on to understand what it means to have BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes and how they are associated with breast cancer.
What are BRCA1 and BRCA2?
BRCA1 (Breast Cancer gene 1) and BRCA2 (Breast Cancer gene 2) are genes that release proteins which help repair damaged DNA. A person has two copies of each of these genes, one inherited from each parent.
Those who inherit a harmful change, or a mutation or pathogenic variant, in one of these genes, face an increased risk of getting diagnosed with carcinoma, most prominently breast cancer.
It should also be noted that if a person has inherited a harmful change in BRCA1 or BRCA2, the individual may develop cancer at a younger age.
Almost every person who inherits a harmful change in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene from one parent has a normal second copy of the gene inherited from the other parent. Having one normal copy of either gene is enough to protect cells from becoming cancerous.
Importance of genetic testing
The BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene tests are blood tests that tell people if they are at a higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer.
The tests check any abnormal changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. A positive test result suggests that a person has a higher risk of getting breast and other cancers, while a negative result indicates no BRCA mutation.
In case of a familial history of breast cancer, diagnostic tests can offer you important details concerning your risk level.
Here is how genetic testing helps —
- Early prevention: Assesses any chances of you developing breast and other cancers so that you can take early preventive measures.
- Informed choices: Equips you with the necessary information that will help you with the steps, such as frequent screenings, dietary changes, and surgical intervention, to prevent severe health issues.
- Information about family risk: Helps family members understand risks, as they may share the same genetic mutation.
- Prevention strategies: Enables tailored health strategies based on your genetic risk, improving the effectiveness of prevention and treatment.
Impact on Breast Cancer Risk
If you have a personal or family history of breast cancer, or you have inherited changes in your BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, you are at a higher risk of getting breast and other cancers.
- Family history
- Many relatives have/had breast cancer
- A relative who developed breast cancer before age 50
- A relative with cancer in both breasts
- Someone in your family who had both breast and ovarian cancers
- A relative with BRCA gene mutation
- Personal history
- Breast cancer before age 50
- Triple-negative breast cancer
- Male breast cancer
- Breast cancer more than once
- Fallopian tube cancer, ovarian cancer, and primary peritoneal cancer
- Both breast and ovarian cancers
Role of Health Insurance in Managing Breast Cancer Risks
Breast cancer treatment costs and follow-up care can bring with it financial difficulties for you. Besides the out-of-pocket treatment costs, you may be spending on transportation to and from hospitals or clinics, accommodation, and other necessary expenses. Managing these costs can be challenging if you are unemployed or have taken time off from work. This is where cancer health insurance helps. It is a specialised form of health insurance for cancer patients that provides them with financial protection. Cancer insurance covers expenses such as hospitalisation, surgery, chemotherapy, prescription drugs, pre- and post-hospitalisation care, ambulance services, room rent, and more. This comprehensive health insurance plan for cancer patients helps those diagnosed with the disease and their families bear the treatment costs.
Conclusion
Both BRCA1 and BRCA2 produce proteins which help repair damaged DNA. Most people have two active copies of these genes. When one of these becomes inactive due to an inherited mutation, it leaves your cells with only one copy. If this remaining copy also becomes inactivated, then there is uncontrolled cell growth, which leads to breast and other types of cancer. Ensure to protect your peace of mind and finances during such struggles with a cancer health insurance plan. It is also advised to get health check-ups done regularly to ensure any potential illness or complication is detected early. Many health insurance plans cover at least one full body check-up during their policy period. Always understand the benefits carefully before finalising your health insurance plan, so you are aware of the associated perks.