Test limitations

Some technical limitations can affect the results. One possible problem comes from the procedure used to identify the mutation.

There are mutations that the international scientific community knows to be responsible for hereditary cancer, and others that seem to have no influence in the disease risk.

However, the test might have yet another result: a genetic change (including on the BRCA genes) for which there is no information. Because we still do not know all the genetic abnormalities behind hereditary breast cancer, the test will be considered inconclusive. 

If a diagnostic test cannot be done, or is inconclusive, the implications are the same as that of a negative result:

• The genetic origin of the hereditary cancer in that family will remain unknown

This means that it will not be possible to put in place prevention measures specific for that familial cancer. The family, however, will be put on a regular surveillance program.