FAQ
The BRAoVO panel looks at high and moderate high risk genes associated with an increased lifetime risk of breast and ovarian cancers, as well as other cancers such as prostate and pancreatic cancer.
The panel contains 13 genes – ATM, BARD1, BRCA1, BRCA2, BRIP1, CDH1, CHEK2, PALB2, PTEN, RAD51C, RAD51D, STK11 and TP53.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most commonly involved and can also be tested for as a 2-gene panel only.
We now also have the BRAoVO Plus panel, which looks at all those genes covered in the BraOVO panel, along with 5 additional genes: MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2 & EPCAM.
These are important for breast cancer patients with a family history that includes ovarian cancer and is also useful for families where there is a mixed cancer picture of breast +/- ovarian +/- colorectal cancer.
Familial cancer gene testing looks at only a single gene, performed when a biological relative has been shown to have this gene.
Genomic testing in breast and ovarian cancer can be clinically useful in two main areas:
- Diagnostic testing for individuals with a diagnosis or personal history of cancer
- Predictive testing for unaffected individuals to determine the future risk of cancer, usually when there is a family history and a known gene change that runs in the family.
Awareness of inherited cancer risk can alter medical care for individuals and their families.
Genetic counselling involves discussing benefits, limitations and the possible consequences of the genetic testing to be performed. It can be provided by your referring specialist or a qualified genetic counsellor and must be undertaken before testing.
As a complex, cancer risk test, where the results can have important medical and psychological implications for both the patient and their family, our national accreditation body requires genetic counselling to be performed prior to genetic testing. GPs are not trained or accredited to provide genetic counselling services.
Following counselling you are then required to consent to genetic testing. If you do not wish to proceed with the testing, you may stop the process here.
Post-test counselling enables full understanding of what the results mean for you, as well as any implications for family members.
Your results will be clinician or genetic counsellor, who will discuss them with you along with the next steps. Possible findings include:
Pathogenic variant found – also known as a ‘positive’ result. This means a gene change was identified that is known to increase your cancer risk. It does not mean you will definitely develop cancer if you don’t have a personal history of cancer, but if you have cancer it may influence your medical management. The result should be shared with your relatives who may want to be tested to understand their own cancer risk.
No pathogenic variants found – also known as a ‘negative’ result. This means you do not have a harmful change in any of the genes that were tested. It does not mean you will not get cancer, as there are many other factors that contribute to cancer risk, and it does not rule out changes in genes that were not tested.
Variant of unknown significance (VUS) found – this means a gene change was identified however its impact on hereditary cancer risk is not yet understood. This finding will not change your ongoing medical care.
Genetic testing for inherited cancer is most often accessed through state-funded Familial Cancer Services at major public hospitals, and private medical specialists and clinics with an interest in inherited cancers. These options continue to be available.
Unfortunately, due to increased awareness of testing, wait times for pre-test counselling and genetic testing can be very long (6 -12 months) and can be even longer for patients in regional and remote areas.
While testing through public and private services can be free of charge this is not always the case, as patients may not meet the eligibility requirements of the medical service or Medicare criteria.
The Genomic Diagnostic option for breast and ovarian cancer genetic testing requested by GPs provides medically referred, rapid and safe access for patients looking for an alternative offering to traditional pathways to testing. We recommend that you talk to your GP to see if this option is right for you.
Testing for multiple genes takes approximately 4 weeks. Testing will not start until your pre-test genetic counselling session has been completed.
Medicare covers the cost of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer testing in some circumstances only. Your test will need to be referred by a specialist, in addition to meeting other criteria.
You may change your mind about testing at any stage during the process.If you have paid privately for a test, please call our Customer Care team on 1800 822 999 to arrange a partial refund. Administrative costs may apply.
Please call our Customer Care team on 1800 822 999 to discuss a refund if you do not proceed with testing. Administrative costs may apply.