Genomic Testing for Breast Cancer

What is genomic testing for breast cancer?

Genomic testing is performed on samples of breast cancer cells to help predict the outcome of the disease and to help direct treatment.

Genomic testing is used to look at breast cancer cells on a molecular level, examining the gene groups in the cells and determining their activity.

Why is genomic testing for breast cancer done?

Genomic testing helps your health care provider choose the best type of treatment for your breast cancer. It provides information on how quickly the breast cancer cells are growing and how aggressive they might be in invading nearby tissue.

How is genomic testing for breast cancer done?

A sample of the tumor is sent to a lab that specializes in genomic testing. A variety of tests are run on the tissue. These tests show the activity of a group of genes in the breast cancer tissue. Based on these results, a score is generated that describes the risk of the cancer coming back again. The score may be numerical, such as 0–100, with 100 designating a high risk of the cancer coming back. Scoring may also involve sorting into risk categories, such as low, moderate, or high.

What will the test results tell me?

Genomic testing for breast cancer can provide a number of pieces of information. It can help predict:

  • The best treatment for your breast cancer.
  • The likelihood that you will benefit from receiving chemotherapy.
  • The chance that your breast cancer will come back.

What is the difference between genomic testing and genetic testing for breast cancer?

Genetic testing looks at a person’s genes and helps predict whether the person is at risk for developing cancer in the future. Genomic testing looks at cancer cells and identifies whether specific genes in the tumor are turned on or turned off. This can help the health care provider identify the best type of therapy to use against that tumor.

What is the difference between genomic testing and pathology testing of a breast tumor?

Pathology testing provides information about the tumor. The pathology report will tell you:

  • Whether the tumor cells are cancerous, meaning they are growing in a disorganized and uncontrolled fashion.
  • Tumor size.
  • How invasive the tumor cells are, meaning they have the capability of invading nearby tissue.
  • Whether the cancer cells have stayed in their original location or have grown into other tissues in your body.
  • Whether the tumor cells are fast growing or slow growing.
  • If the entire tumor has been removed or whether there might be some cancer cells remaining behind.
  • Whether there are cancer cells in your lymph nodes or blood vessels.
  • Whether the cancer cells grow in response to hormones.
  • Whether certain genes are present in the cancer cells and how many of these genes are present.

Genomic testing will tell you about the activity of groups of genes in your breast cancer cells. This activity can help your health care provider decide how aggressive the cancer is, how much risk you have of the cancer coming back, and whether you will benefit from treatments such as chemotherapy.

15585

Sign up to receive the trending updates and tons of Health Tips

Join SeekhealthZ and never miss the latest health information

15856