Genetic Testing Specialist

Premal Sanghavi, MD, FACS

Center for Breast Health located in Downtown, Los Angeles, CA & Glendale, CA

With advances in modern medicine, it’s now possible to use predictive genetic testing to look for gene mutations that may indicate you’re more likely to develop a type of cancer, including breast cancer. Premal Sanghavi, MD, FACS, offers genetic testing at her practice in downtown Los Angeles and Glendale, California, Premal Sanghavi MD, Inc. To learn more, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

Genetic Q & A

What is genetic testing?

Genes are pieces of DNA inside cells that tell the cell how to make the proteins that your body needs to function. Changes in genes, called mutations, play an important role in the development of cancer. Predictive genetic testing is testing used to look for mutations in the genes that might put a person at a high risk of getting breast cancer.

Genetic testing is intended for patients to know if their breast cancer or family history of breast cancer is due to an inherited gene mutation. In the United States, 5-10 percent of breast cancers are linked to an inherited gene.

What are the most common genes associated with breast cancer?

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most commonly associated mutated genes associated with breast cancer. In addition to mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2, mutations in the following genes can increase your risk of breast cancer:

ATM
CDH1
CHEK2
NBN
NF1
PALB2
PTEN
STK11
TP53 (p53)

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are also linked to ovarian cancer.

Do I need genetic testing?

Indications you may be a good candidate for genetic testing include:

Age onset of breast cancer is 50 or younger
Triple negative tumor (ER-, PR-, and HER2-) and being 60 or younger
Ashkenazi Jewish heritage and breast cancer at any age
Two or more primary breast cancers
First-degree relative with breast cancer who’s 50 or younger
Two relatives on the same side of the family with breast cancer and/or pancreatic cancer
Family or personal history of ovarian cancer, fallopian cancer, or primary peritoneal cancer
Male breast cancer
Known mutation carrier in the family

To learn more about genetic testing, click here.

Find out if you can benefit from genetic testing to find out if you’re at an elevated risk of developing breast cancer. To talk to a skilled provider experienced in genetic testing, call Premal Sanghavi MD, Inc. in Los Angeles or Glendale, California, or schedule an appointment using the online booking feature today.

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