- Reference Number: HEY-810/2023
- Departments: Breast Services, Gynaecology, Oncology (Cancer Services)
- Last Updated: 30 November 2023
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Introduction
This leaflet has been produced to give you general information about your test results. Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet. It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your doctor, but may act as a starting point for discussion. If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team caring for you.
Results of your BRCA test
You had a BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene test because you have had cancer.
The test result has shown that you have a gene change called a ‘variant of unknown significance (VUS)’ in either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.
What does this mean?
This means that it is not currently known whether this gene change causes any increased risk of cancer. Such variants in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are common, and most do not cause cancer. Genetic testing will not usually be offered to other family members for this gene change. However, sometimes further testing may be considered, or research studies offered to try to find out more about the significance of such variants in the future.
A referral has been made to the Genetics Clinic to discuss your result further. You should receive an appointment in the next few weeks. At the appointment we will explain in more detail about the result and any further tests that may be considered.
Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Gynae-Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist Team (01482) 624033.
Useful information
Information on Gynaecology Services at Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust can be found at: www.hey.nhs.uk/gynaecology.
Yorkshire Regional Genetics Service
http://www.pathology.leedsth.nhs.uk/pathology/Departments/Genetics.aspx
Department of Clinical Genetics, Ward 10, 3rd Floor, Chapel Allerton Hospital Chapeltown Road, LEEDS LS7 4SA
Tel: 0113 392 4432 Fax: 0113 392 4434
General Advice and Consent
Most of your questions should have been answered by this leaflet, but remember that this is only a starting point for discussion with the healthcare team.
Consent to treatment
Before any doctor, nurse or therapist examines or treats you, they must seek your consent or permission. In order to make a decision, you need to have information from health professionals about the treatment or investigation which is being offered to you. You should always ask them more questions if you do not understand or if you want more information.
The information you receive should be about your condition, the alternatives available to you, and whether it carries risks as well as the benefits. What is important is that your consent is genuine or valid. That means:
- you must be able to give your consent
- you must be given enough information to enable you to make a decision
- you must be acting under your own free will and not under the strong influence of another person
Information about you
We collect and use your information to provide you with care and treatment. As part of your care, information about you will be shared between members of a healthcare team, some of whom you may not meet. Your information may also be used to help train staff, to check the quality of our care, to manage and plan the health service, and to help with research. Wherever possible we use anonymous data.
We may pass on relevant information to other health organisations that provide you with care. All information is treated as strictly confidential and is not given to anyone who does not need it. If you have any concerns please ask your doctor, or the person caring for you.
Under the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018 we are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of any information we hold about you. For further information visit the following page: Confidential Information about You.
If you or your carer needs information about your health and wellbeing and about your care and treatment in a different format, such as large print, braille or audio, due to disability, impairment or sensory loss, please advise a member of staff and this can be arranged.
