• Reference Number: HEY-812/2023
• Departments: Breast Services, Gynaecology, Oncology (Cancer Services)
• Last Updated: 30 November 2023

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. 

Results of your BRCA test

You had a BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene test because you have had cancer.

The test result is normal. No BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation (gene change) was identified in your blood sample.

What does this mean?

This means we have not found a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation which would put you at high risk of developing another cancer. The cancer team will discuss if this normal result has any implications for your cancer management.

A normal result is common. In most women with breast and / or ovarian cancer no mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 is found. If you have a strong family history of breast and / or ovarian cancer, or a strong family history of other cancers, or if you developed cancer at an unusually young age, it may be helpful to look into things further. The oncology or genetics team will discuss this with you, if appropriate.

Very occasionally mutations in other genes can be involved in causing breast or ovarian cancer. Also new discoveries are being made all the time. If you have agreed, a sample of your DNA will continue to be stored that may be used in the future for further genetic testing for you and your family.

What does this result mean for my relatives?

This result is good news for your relatives, as it means they are unlikely to be at high increased risk of developing breast and / or ovarian cancer themselves. You may wish to share this result with them.

All women are eligible to have mammograms from 47 years in the National Breast Screening Programme. Depending on the family history, some women may be eligible for mammograms from 40 years, even if there has been a normal BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene test in the family. There is currently no known effective form of ovarian screening. If a woman has multiple relatives with ovarian cancer, removal of the ovaries is sometimes considered. If any of your relatives wish to discuss their own risks of cancer further, they should speak with their doctor who can refer them for further discussions at a Breast Family History or Genetics Clinic.

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.