Myriad question - BART test?

MelC75

Hello,

 My mom had breast cancer in September 2005 at age 58. At that time, she had the BRCA testing done and it came back negative.  She had two maternal aunts with BC, but no other family history of breast/ovarian cancer that we know of.  

She has been cancer free for almost 7years.  But after reading articles regarding the BART test, I am wondering if we should pursue it.  Do any of you know if Myriad keeps the DNA record of her sample from 7 years ago?  Will they need a fresh blood sample from her?  I ask only because convincing my mother of the test is going to be difficult.  I think it will be easier to convince her it is necessary if she doesn't have to go in and have blood drawn.  As a 37 year old woman and mother of a daughter myself, I think it is very important that we have a complete genetic test done.

Just hoping someone here might know.

Thanks so much!

  

Golden01

I don't know how long Myriad keeps the samples. I do know that, like your Mom, I was tested for BRCA with a negative result this year. My insurance won't  pay for the BART test at this time (I am one of five cousins with breast cancer) but Myriad is holding my sample until the end of the year in case United Healthcare changes their mind or we decide to pay the $700. I've found the Myriad folks very helpful. Here's their phone number: 1-800-469-7423. One other thought, have you seen a genetic counselor? We chose to go to one at a University-based NCI designated cancer center and she was very helpful. They took care of getting all the documentation for the BRCA testing so my insurance company would pay. My oncologist had "doubted" he could get it approved as all but one of  my cousins was  past 40 when diagnosed with breast cancer. In fact, I got a denial letter the same week they paid the bill for the BRCA testing. The university was terrific at getting the documentation needed. Good luck.

MelC75

Thanks so much.  I just called and she would have to get a new sample done. I talked to her this morning and she is as defiant as ever but because I have a daughter now, I think she is more willing to listen.  She said she would call her oncologist office about it.  She did have genetic counseling at the time of her diagnosis.  Her insurance covered the initial test but I am not sure her new insurance will cover this portion.  I am not concerned about it though.  I will pay for her testing. 

 Do you know how long the BART test takes to complete?  

Golden01

Not sure but we had the results of the BRCA fairly quickly. Glad they were helpful. You might want to see the genetic counselor who could maybe present things in terms of your daughter that might help you Mom look at it differently. I don't think there is ever a charge for the genetic counseling.

MelC75

We were able to find out from Myriad that she did not have the BART test.  They said she could get the test ordered from her regular doctor and that she didn't need to visit her oncologist for this.  I hope that is the case.  She did put a call in to her general practioner about ordering the test.  It will be easier to get her there than all the way in to her oncologist.  She refuses to see the importance of it.  Her aunts that had it lived long lives after their mastectomies and her mother never had it or any cancer so she's convinced this is a waste of time.  I just want to be certain.  I don't like risk. 

mkkjd60

Hi, my mom is 72 and has stage iv bc. She was originally dxed stage 2at 66 years of age she had one aunt who died of bc at 76. Mom got the brac test when she was 66 and the Bart test just recently. It is a simple spit test and can be performed by a general practitioner. Fortunately she was negative on both. For peace of mind, I think it's best. Medicare picked up the cost of the Bart test but I understand lot of insurance companies will pay for brac but not Bart. Bart is about $750. I hope your mom remains free of cancer. Good luck

MelC75

Thank you.  Mom is scheduled to meet with genetic specialist and have the BART test done on Sept. 6th and then we will return 3 weeks after for the results.  Praying for a negative.  Thank you all for your help and thoughts.  I'm sorry to hear your mom's cancer returned mkkjd60.  Best wishes to her and you as well.