As the Mayo Clinic explains, genetic testing for breast cancer can determine whether a woman has a mutation in either one of the two genes that are responsible for inherited breast cancer. Genetic testing is far from definitive in determining whether or not you will actually get cancer; most breast cancers are not inherited and not all women with a mutated gene end up getting cancer. Because of this, it's important to consider the pros and cons of breast cancer testing before deciding to undergo the test.
Candidates for Testing
According to the Mayo Clinic, genetic testing for breast cancer is only available to women who have a high risk of breast cancer as a result of a personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer. As the National Cancer Institute explains, you have a significant family history if you have at least two close relatives diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer, or if you have close relatives who were diagnosed with breast cancer before age 50. Talking with a genetic counselor can help you determine whether your family history warrants genetic testing.
Significance
No more than 10 percent of breast cancer cases are the result of inherited mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2, the breast cancer genes, according to the National Cancer Institute. So even if your test results for the breast cancer genes are negative, you may still develop breast cancer. If the genetic test determines that you do have an altered gene, you are at a higher risk than the general population of developing cancer, but there is no guarantee that you will actually get breast cancer, as additional factors also affect cancer risk.
Pros of Testing
As the Mayo Clinic points out, undergoing genetic testing can help you determine whether or not you have an increased risk for developing breast cancer. If your test results are positive, you can take preventive steps such as undergoing earlier or more frequent cancer screenings, such as mammograms, clinical breast exams and self-breast exams. Taking medication or having preventive surgery can also reduce your risk for breast cancer. If your test results are negative, it may bring you comfort to know that your risk of cancer is not higher than normal and that you won't pass on an increased risk of breast cancer to your children.
Cons of Testing
As the National Cancer Institute explains, undergoing genetic testing for breast cancer also carries some potential disadvantages. If your test results are positive, you may have difficulty dealing with your increased risk of getting cancer. It may also be hard to decide whether you should tell your family members, as they may be affected by your test results. If your test results are negative, you may develop a false sense of security, thinking that you cannot develop breast cancer when in reality you are no more immune than the general population.
Before Being Tested
It's important to consider how you will react to either result before deciding to undergo testing for the breast cancer gene, the American Cancer Society emphasizes. If you decide that you're not ready to deal with the results, you can always delay the test or decide not to take it.
Tags: breast cancer, your test results, test results, your test, genetic testing, testing breast, testing breast cancer
