When to Consider Multi-Gene Testing in Early-Stage and Metastatic Breast Cancer

March 30, 2023

You can’t change your genes, but knowing and acting on your family health history is essential for you and your medical team in developing your treatment plan. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) recommends genetic testing NCCN recommends genetic testing, including the BRCA1/2 genes, for all metastatic breast cancer patients because it could change treatment decisions. Additionally, individuals with early-stage breast cancer may meet testing criteria based on their type of breast cancer or family history.

Our guest speaker Christina (Chrissy) Spears, the Assistant Professor at Ohio State University and helps run the High-Risk Breast Cancer Clinic as a genetic counselor, will discuss not only the common BRCA1/2 tests but the multiple other high-risk gene mutations called expanded panel testing or multi-gene testing to consider. It may also help your family members better understand their risk of breast cancer and other cancers, such as ovarian cancer, prostate cancer or pancreatic cancer.

Key Takeaways from Webinar Viewers:

• "The importance of knowing your families history, genetic testing with counseling, and proactivity one has." - Anonymous, MBC attendee
• "Genetic testing is affordable, constantly improving, and a great tool in medicine." - Anonymous, Healthcare Provider attendee
• "There are so many other gene types to be tested beyond BRACA 1/2." - Anonymous, Breast Cancer attendee