When is genomic tumour profiling recommended for breast cancer?

The test analyses genetic signals in tumour tissue, usually from a biopsy or surgery sample. It may look for changes that help explain tumour behaviour or identify a treatment that could be considered alongside the pathology report, stage and hormone or receptor findings.

Profiling is different from an inherited-risk test. It describes the tumour and does not by itself show that a cancer-predisposition gene was passed through a family. Results may be uninformative, and a possible match does not guarantee that a treatment will work.

Discuss profiling with the breast cancer team when the diagnosis is advanced, has returned, or has features for which standard treatment choices are being weighed. Ask whether existing tissue is suitable, whether a new biopsy is needed, and how the result would alter the proposed plan.

Take the pathology report and treatment history to the appointment. Ask who will interpret the report and whether a genetic counsellor is needed if the findings raise a separate inherited-risk question.

Profiling is planned with the oncology team and is not a reason to postpone treatment unless your clinician says the result could change timing. Contact your team for worsening pain, breathlessness, new weakness, fever or a rapidly changing breast or wound; severe breathing difficulty or collapse needs emergency help.

Ask what decision the profile is intended to support, which sample will be tested, how long interpretation may take, and what treatment options remain if no actionable finding appears.