Latvian doctors urge families to use free cancer gene testing

Doctors at Riga East University Hospital are urging patients to use state-funded genetic testing for relatives of people with inherited cancer mutations, LSM reported. First-degree relatives can receive free testing if a family member is found to carry an inherited pathogenic mutation.

Egija Brūvere lost her mother to breast cancer when she was young. Her mother’s sister and grandmother also had the disease. Genetic tests confirmed Brūvere carried a mutation, and she chose to undergo a mastectomy and hysterectomy. She says she feels well and no longer worries every day about developing cancer.

Medical geneticist Daiga Mūrmane showed test results from one family in which 67 people were tested. Many gained peace of mind, while others received a plan for what to do next. Geneticists encourage families to share diagnoses with relatives.

When a mutation is identified in a patient with breast cancer, a geneticist prepares a letter that allows first-degree relatives, including children, parents, brothers and sisters, to request testing for the specific mutation. Both the consultation and test are state-funded. Testing is carried out at the hospital’s Pathology Centre and covers BRCA genes as well as other high-risk genes.