Genetic Counseling and Testing

The United States Preventive Services Task Force, a group of health experts, recommends that women with specific patterns of breast, ovarian, tubal, or peritoneal cancer in their family history consider genetic counseling and testing for BRCA gene mutations.

Genetic Counseling

Genetic counseling, from a health care provider trained in this specialty, is recommended before and after a genetic test. A genetic counselor usually will conduct risk assessments based on your personal and family medical history. He or she will then talk to you about things like—

• If a genetic test is right for you.
• The specific tests that might be used and the accuracy of these tests.
• What happens if you have a positive or a negative test result.
• The possibility that a test result might not give you all the information you need.
• The emotional risks and benefits of genetic test results.
• How genetic test results may affect other members of your family.

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing is done with a blood or saliva sample. The sample is taken in a laboratory, doctor’s office, hospital, or clinic and sent to a laboratory that does the tests. It usually takes several weeks or longer to get the test results. Genetic testing can be helpful regardless of the result, but is most informative if a family member affected by cancer is tested first, if possible.

• If you are tested for a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation that runs in your family, a negative BRCA1 or BRCA2 test result may give you a sense of relief, since special screening, tests, or surgeries may not be needed. However, even if you test negative for a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, you can still get breast or ovarian cancer. A genetics counselor can help you understand if you need further tests.
• A positive BRCA1 or BRCA2 test result helps you better understand your personal risk of getting breast and ovarian cancers better. You can make choices about what to do to reduce your risk and about what screening is right for you. A positive test result does not mean you will definitely get breast or ovarian cancer.

Before you consider genetic counseling and testing, we recommend you take the Know:BRCA Assessment and talk to your doctor to learn if your family history puts you at an increased risk for a BRCA gene mutation.