Welcome to the My Breast My Health podcast. You may have wondered how do we test for the breast cancer genes such as BRCA? One thing is for sure (spoiler alert), you shouldn’t be using the home testing genetics kits. Why?
In this episode, I have a conversation with Sarah Robart who works as a genetics counsellor. Sarah assesses people’s risk of developing breast cancer in their lifetime, based on their genetic pre-disposition as well as their family history of cancer.
We discuss many things including why the home genetic testing kits have many downfalls associated with it. Sarah describes the reasons behind why she doesn’t advise anyone to use them and how it may, in fact, give false reassurances.
Sarah also explains what samples need to be taken to do the BRCA test and what happens to the samples afterwards. We also talk about the various criteria that need to be fulfilled in order to be considered for a genetics test.
Having a genetics test can be a scary thing to do. This is because a positive result has implications to that individual’s health and future cancer risk. But it can also impact on other family members. Sarah talks about how she navigates giving these results in what can be stressful times.
I hope you enjoy listening to my conversation with Sarah Robart. This episode was recorded before the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic. It was supposed to go live a few weeks ago, but was pushed back by an unscheduled episode where I talk about the impact of the CORONAVIRUS ON BREAST CANCER SERVICES. If you want to listen to that episode, click here.
If you want to learn more about BREAST RECONSTRUCTION then you may want to check out this episode.
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DISCLAIMER: The content of this podcast and website is not a substitute for seeking medical advice from a healthcare professional. Please do not delay in seeing a doctor for a breast problem, because of what you have read on this website or heard on this podcast.
