Breast cancer: Making the choice for genetic testing - MayoClinic.com

* Breast cancer: Making the choice for genetic testing
By Carrie A. Zabel, M.S., C.G.C.


Do you have a personal or family history of breast cancer? Have you considered genetic testing for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes? Some features of your personal or family medical history that may make you a good candidate to consider this type of genetic testing include:

* Early-onset breast cancer (diagnosed before age 50)
* Ovarian cancer (at any age)
* Breast and/or ovarian cancer in 2 or more close relatives
* Multiple or bilateral primary tumors in 1 relative
* Breast and/or ovarian cancer appearing to affect every generation of the family tree

The genetic testing for breast cancer involves a simple blood draw which looks for alterations in the BRCA1/2 genes. While the testing process itself is not significantly complicated, making the decision about whether or not to undergo the testing can be. If you are considering genetic testing for breast cancer, you may want to ask yourself the following questions:

* How would the test results impact my personal medical care? Would I undergo additional or earlier cancer screening?
* How would the test results impact the medical management of my family members?
* Would I experience significant anxiety or depression following receipt of my genetic testing results?
* Would the information obtained adversely affect communication or relationships between me and my family members?
* Do I have any concerns about how this information might impact my insurability?

If you wish to explore these issues further, a genetics professional may be able to help you work through the decision-making process about genetic testing for breast cancer. Please, share your experience.
Breast cancer: Making the choice for genetic testing - MayoClinic.com