Is Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer Right for You?

Susan K. Boolbol, MD Chief, Division of Breast Surgery Mount Sinai Beth Israel For most women, the average risk of developing breast cancer is about 12 percent. However, if you have a mutation on either of the two most common genes associated with breast cancer -- BRCA1 and BRCA2 -- that risk can jump as high as 80 percent. While it's natural to wonder if you might have inherited an abnormal BRCA gene from one of your parents, it's also important to remember that only about 5-10 percent of breast cancers are due to hereditary mutations; the overwhelming majority of women with breast cancer have no family history of the disease. That's why genetic testing is recommended only for people whose family history or other factors suggest the presence of a gene mutation. Consider Genetic Testing If... The following factors increase an individual's likelihood of having inherited a BRCA gene mutation. If any of them apply to you, your doctor may refer you to a cancer genetic counselor to help determine whether genetic testing is appropriate in your case. If so, the results can help you make more informed decisions about your breast health, including treatment if you have already been diagnosed with breast cancer. A family history of breast cancer, especially in first-degree female relatives (those with whom you share 50 percent of your genes: your mother, sisters, daughters). However, if you don't know your family history beyond your parents or grandparents, or if there are few wo...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news