At Tasman Health, we’re committed to keeping you informed about the latest advancements in healthcare that could impact your well-being. Recent changes around the wording for MBS funded BRCA testing has meant a notable shift in who is eligible for funded testing. It now includes a broader range of individuals, empowering more people to take proactive steps towards managing their health.

Identifying an underlying inherited cause of cancer can help guide treatment and allows us to flag at risk relatives and put in place recommended screening/management.

Current EviQ recommendations for BRCA testing:

To be eligible for MBS-funded BRCA testing, there needs to be a greater than 10% chance of identifying a pathogenic variant in a family. Due to the new wording, this is now not solely based on an algorithm, but includes the following:

  1. All Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer Under 40
  2. Bilateral Breast Cancer or Multiple Breast CancersIndividuals with bilateral breast cancer or two or more synchronous or asynchronous breast cancers, with the first cancer diagnosed at age ≤50 years, are now eligible for testing. This broader criterion acknowledges the increased risk associated with multiple breast cancer occurrences.
  3. Triple Negative Breast Cancer under 60 yearsWomen diagnosed with a triple negative breast cancer have a greater chance of carrying a BRCA pathogenic variant compared to other pathology types. Male Breast Cancer
    We can now offer testing to all male breast cancer, diagnosed at any age, emphasising the importance of genetic screening in both genders.
  4. High-Grade Epithelial Ovarian CancerIndividuals diagnosed with high-grade epithelial ovarian cancer at any age are now eligible for testing, addressing the genetic implications of ovarian cancer.
  5. Breast or Ovarian Cancer with Jewish AncestryIndividuals with breast or ovarian cancer who have Jewish ancestry are also included in the expanded eligibility criteria, acknowledging specific genetic risk factors within this population.

Implications and Considerations:

These updates in eligibility criteria signify a significant step forward in proactive healthcare management, offering greater accessibility to genetic testing for individuals at increased risk of hereditary cancer syndromes. By identifying genetic predispositions early on, healthcare providers can tailor treatment plans and implement preventive measures to mitigate cancer risks effectively.

Self-funded BRCA testing:

We facilitate self-funded BRCA testing at Tasman Health Care. For $450 we can test up to 30 cancer genes, including BRCA1 and BRCA2. It is important to recognise that using family history alone as an eligibility tool misses up to 30-50% of families with an inherited cause.  So even if you do not meet any of the above criteria, you can still access genetic testing.

At Tasman Health Care, we are committed to staying abreast of the latest developments in genetic testing and ensuring that our patients have access to the most comprehensive and personalised care possible.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss how these changes may impact your healthcare journey, please don’t hesitate to contact our team.

You can book an appointment at 07 5613 2480 during our operating hours from 8:30 am to 4:00 pm. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

 

Please be advised that this advice is of a general nature only and you should always consult your Doctor for information regarding your own individual treatment.

Tasman Health Care is an Oncology clinic and research-focused group based on Queensland’s Gold Coast. We have an onsite Day Infusion Unit and specialise in Cancer care and treatment. We also provide a large percentage of our patients, insured or uninsured, the opportunity to access new pharmaceuticals only available through a trial opportunity.

To make an appointment with one of our Doctors, Genetic Counsellors or team of Allied Health Specialists please contact us (07) 5613 2480 or reception@tasmanhealthcare.com.au.