BRCA-1 and BRCA-2

Also known as: BRCA; Breast Cancer Susceptibility Genes 1 and 2

Formal name: Breast Cancer Gene 1 and Breast Cancer Gene 2

At a Glance

Why Get Tested?

To assess the risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer associated with inheriting in the BRCA-1 or BRCA-2

When to Get Tested?

When you have a family history of breast cancer before the age of 50 or ovarian cancer at any age

Sample Required?

A blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm

Test Preparation Needed?

None

This article was last reviewed on December 4, 2009. | This page was last modified on February 7, 2010.

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