About Breast Cancer: Pros and Cons of Genetic Testing

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Breast Cancer Breast Cancer Symptoms / Diagnosis Treatment Daily Life From Pam Stephan, your Guide to Breast Cancer Last week, a famous actress announced that she was tested for the BRCA1 gene, and had both breasts removed. However, most breast cancers are not tied to a genetic mutation, so who should be tested? Weighing the Pros and Cons of Genetic Testing I've never been tested for the BRCA mutations. But people who have a strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer may want to consider doing just that. Here's some of the ups and downs of being tested and dealing with the results. Search Related Topics:  gene test  genetic mutation  genetic factors What to do With Genetic Test Results A friend of ours - a man in his 70's - told us that his family has the BRCA1 gene. He and one sister were tested, turns out he doesn't have it, but the sister does. They have another sister who doesn't want to know what genes she has. That way, she doesn't have to deal with the test results. Many people feel that way, while others really want to know. Search Related Topics:  breast cancer risk  genetic factors  genes Young Women, Family History and Breast Cancer I think that younger women have the hardest choices to face. If they learn that they carry a faulty gene, it may or may not result in cancer. But decisions will be offered and their future will be affected. Some choose to take charge, others choose to wait and see. Search Related Topics:  genetic factors  gene test  genetic mutation Should You Have the Breast Cancer Gene Test? Your genes come from your parents, and determine things such as hair and eye color, height, the shape of your nose, and your risk of some diseases. If you've inherited mutated BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, your risk of developing breast cancer at some time in your life is increased above average. Should you have a genetic test? Search Related Topics:  breast cancer risk  genetic factors  genes Related Searches Breast Cancer Causes Genetic Testing Cancer Gene Testing Eye Cancer Skin Cancer Featured Articles Treatment Options for Breast Cancer Support and Resources - During and After Treatment Life During Treatment - Self Care, Side Effects, Reconstruction Life After Treatment, Recovery, Hair and Skin Care, Changes Decode Medical Terms - Breast Cancer Glossary Breast Cancer Basics - Definition, Types, Survival Statistics   More from About.com Run Your First 5K Even couch potatoes can be ready for a 5K with just a couple months of training. Read more...> Help! I'm Too Busy Time and stress management tips to help you feel as though you have more time. Read more...> This newsletter is written by: Pam Stephan Breast Cancer Guide Email Me | My Blog | My Forum   Sign up for more free newsletters on your favorite topics You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the About.com Breast Cancer newsletter. If you wish to change your email address or unsubscribe, please click here. About.com respects your privacy: Our Privacy Policy Contact Information: 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor New York, NY, 10036 © 2012 About.com   Must Reads What is Breast Cancer? Symptoms of Breast Cancer Diagnosis of Breast Cancer Treatments for Breast Cancer Preventing Breast Cancer   Follow me on: Advertisement