Question

Couple questions regarding the ethics of breast cancer screenings and tests. Open to opinions and/or factual answers. a) If either a women or her mother tested positive for a BRCA gene mutation that increases the risk of developing breast cancer in the future, is a prophylactic double mastectomy appropriate? b) What are the issues surrounding these types of tests, how should these issues be addressed, and who should have access to these test results? c) Should the women's daughter (who is 8) have a right to know the test results of her mother and grandmother? What about when she is 16? d) Should these kinds of breast cancer tests and screenings be mandatory? Why or why not? Thanks, hope to hear your thoughts.

Answer 1

a, There is a 69% to 72% chance for women to develop breast cancer if the women BRCA gene mutation is positive. there is a 50% chance of her child getting breast cancer, they have estrogen-receptor-negative so there is a chance for ovarian cancer risk also in future. If they came to know their BRCA mutation is positive prophylactic mastectomy or removal both breasts reduce the risk of breast cancer.
b, Interpretation with pathogenic mutations need accurate determination for detecting a somatic mutation in DNA that is desired from formalin-fixed, paraffin generation sequencing technology, improved the screening capacity that reduces the processing times and unit cost. shifting to NGS is challenging for BRCA workflow and its enrichment method and bioinformatics analysis process are a challenge in many labs to make this test. these test results always interpret with the help of genetic counselors or other health care professionals.
c, Adequate knowledge is important for the child to know and understand and feel better to handle the situation, age 8 have less knowledge about this test process but age 16 children have adequate knowledge and capability to understand the disease progression and have an idea to know about the test result and counseling.
d, this type of test for DNA analysis and its harmful changes that increase their risk of cancer in the future. Based on a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer it needs genetic testing and genetic counseling that help to understand their health risk.