Read about cancer treatment options listed by gene mutation, type of cancer and type of treatment.
Genes with inherited mutations linked to breast cancer
Multi-gene panel tests look for inherited mutations in many genes at the same time. These tests may include new or less common genes. Some panels may include additional genes other than those listed below. A genetics expert can make sure that the most appropriate test is ordered based on your personal situation and family medical history. They will also make sure that your test results are interpreted correctly.
Genes linked to breast cancer in women
Mutations in the following have been linked to increased risk for breast cancer in women.
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Mutations in the following genes may also be linked to increased breast cancer risk. More research is needed to confirm a link to breast cancer and develop risk-management guidelines.
Genes linked to breast cancer in men
Mutations in the following genes have been linked to breast cancer risk in men.
find-support
FORCE offers many peer support programs for people with inherited mutations.
- Our Message Boards allow people to connect with others who share their situation. Once you register, you can post on the Diagnosed With Cancer board to connect with other people who have been diagnosed.
- Our Peer Navigation Program will match you with a volunteer who shares your mutation and situation.
- Our moderated, private Facebook group allows you to connect with other community members 24/7.
- Check out our virtual and in-person support meeting calendar.
- Join one of our Zoom community group meeting:
- Caregivers
- LGBTQIA
- Men
- Meetings in American Sign Language
- Meetings in Spanish
- People of Color
- Previvors
- Young Previvors
- Survivors
- Young Survivors
updated: 03/12/2022
guidelines
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network has guidelines on who should undergo genetic counseling and testing. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, you should speak with a genetics expert about genetic testing if any of the following apply to you:
- You have a blood relative who has tested positive for an inherited mutation
- You have any of the following:
- Breast cancer at age 50 or younger
- Male breast cancer at any age
- Ovarian cancer at any age
- at any age
- Two separate breast cancer diagnoses
- Eastern European Jewish ancestry and breast cancer at any age
- breast cancer
- Testing of your tumor shows a mutation in a gene that is associated with
- breast cancer and high risk for recurrence
- Lobular breast cancer and a family history of diffuse gastric cancer
OR
- You have one or more close family members who have had:
- Young-onset or rare cancers
- Breast cancer at age 50 or younger
- Male breast cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, or cancer at any age
- Two separate cancer diagnoses
- cancer at age 55 or younger or prostate cancer
The American Society of Breast Cancer Surgeons (ASBrS) released guidelines in 2019 that recommend all women diagnosed with breast cancer have access to genetic testing for inherited mutations in breast cancer genes.
If you are uncertain whether you meet the guidelines above and you are interested in or considering genetic testing, you should speak with a cancer genetics expert.
updated: 11/22/2021
paying-for-service
Insurance coverage for genetic counseling and testing
Most health plans cover genetic counseling and testing for inherited gene mutations linked to cancer in people who meet the national guidelines. The cost of testing and your out-of-pocket charges may vary based on several factors.
People who are denied coverage for genetic testing can file an appeal (FORCE has sample appeal letters). Your healthcare provider can work with your insurance company and help you file an appeal if needed. Low cost testing may be available for $250 or less. Learn more about coverage for genetic counseling and testing here.
testing under the Affordable Care Act
Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurance companies must pay for both genetic counseling and testing with no out-of-pocket costs for women who meet certain criteria. The ACA regulations are limited to testing for and only and do not cover genetic counseling or testing in all situations. You can learn more about testing under the ACA here.
Medicare and Medicaid coverage of genetic testing
Genetic counseling and testing is typically covered by Medicare for people already diagnosed with cancer who are in treatment or for whom test results may affect their care. Most state Medicaid programs cover genetic testing for and mutations for people who meet requirements, which vary by state. You can read more about Medicare and Medicaid coverage of genetic testing here.
Financial assistance or low cost genetic testing
JScreen is a national program based out of Emory University that provides low-cost at-home genetic counseling and testing with financial assistance available. Many laboratories offer low-cost genetic testing or financial assistance programs. Programs vary, so if you are not eligible for assistance through one lab, consider contacting other labs to see if you qualify .
- Ambry Billing and Insurance
- Color for All (Color's Family Testing Program offers $50 testing for relatives of people with a known mutation)
- Invitae Patient Assistance Program
- Quest Financial Assistance Program
- Natera Compassionate Care Program
- Myriad Cares
- Sema4 Financial Assistance
updated: 02/15/2022
clinical-trials
The following clinical trials are open to people diagnosed with breast cancer with an inherited mutation.
Advanced of any type, including breast cancer
- NCT03565991: A Phase II Study to Evaluate the Safety and Anti-tumor Activity of Avelumab in Combination with in Patients with a or Mutation. This study is looking at the safety and effectiveness of the combination of an (known as Avelumab) and a (known as ) is for treating patients with locally advanced or who have an inherited mutation in , or .
- NCT03718091: M6620 (VX-970) in Selected Solid Tumors. This is a phase 2 study looking at M6620, a drug designed to inhibit the ATR enzyme. Inhibiting ATR may block how cancers repair their damaged . The study is specifically enrolling patients with an inherited , or . The study is also enrolling people with a mutation in any of the following genes based on tumor testing: , , or , , , CDK12, , FANCA, FANCC, FANCE, FANCF, FANCM, MRE11A, , , RAD51B, , or .
- NCT04171700: A Study to Evaluate in Patients With and With Deleterious Mutations in HRR Genes (LODESTAR). This study is evaluating the response of in patients with advanced cancers and with deleterious mutations (either inherited or found on tumor testing) in Repair (HRR) genes, including: , , , , , , , FANCA, , RAD51 or RAD51B.
Breast cancer
- NCT03330847: Safety and Efficacy of Olaparib Combined with Agents Targeting Damage Repair Compared to Olaparib Alone. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of treatment with the , olaparib combined with the drug Ceralasertib compared with olaparib alone for patients with .
- NCT03911973: Gedatolisib Plus in Advanced Triple Negative or BRCA1/2 Positive, Negative Breast Cancers. This study is designed to determine efficacy of gedatolisib in combination with in advanced breast cancer that is triple negative or caused by a BRCA1/2 mutation.
- Breast Cancer Treatment in Women with Mutations. The Study is an international research study to better understand breast cancer treatment among women with a gene mutation. Participants are asked to complete online or paper study questionnaires (every two years for 10 years) and share their family history, medical, and genetics records.
- NCT03344965: A Phase 2 Study of Olaparib Monotherapy in Breast Cancer Patients with Germline or in Repair Genes (Olaparib Expanded). This study is looking at how well olaparib works in people with breast cancer and any of the following mutations (either inherited or found on tumor testing) : , ATR, , (FANCJ), , FANCA, FANCC, FANCD2, FANCE, FANCF, FANCM, MRE11A, , , , ,
RAD51D. - NCT02401347: Beyond (TBB) Trial. People with an inherited mutation who have triple-negative breast cancer may qualify for this study. This study is looking at how well the talazoparib works in people with the following mutations (either inherited or found on tumor testing) : , , , , , , , , , , MRE11, ATR, FANCA, FANCC, FANCD2, FANCE, FANCF, FANCG, FANCL, plus other HR-related genes at the discretion of the primary investigators.