DNA Direct: Your Genes in Context

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Testing for Genetic Disorders

Related Genetic Tests

Breast & Ovarian Cancer Risk

Includes pre- and post-test counseling, and a letter for your doctor

Price: $851.00 - $3,531.00

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Pre-test & Post-test Consultation

Our genetic experts can counsel you before and after testing.

Price: $250 per hour

Call to schedule: 1-877-646-0222

BREAST & OVARIAN CANCER RISK

Pros & Cons: Hereditary Breast & Ovarian Cancer Testing (BRCA)

There are many reasons why people choose to have genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Choosing to test is a very personal decision. Here are some of the most common considerations.

Pros

Some reasons why people choose to have testing are:

They have a known BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation in the family.
They have a personal history of breast and/or ovarian cancer and a family history of similar cancers.
They have relatives with breast and/or ovarian cancer.
They are of Ashkenazi Jewish (Eastern European) ancestry — an ethnic group that is at high-risk for carrying BRCA mutations.
A positive test result would affect decisions such as:
- surgical intervention — such as having a mastectomy or oopherectomy.
- healthcare decisions such as birth control, hormone replacement, or estrogen treatments like tamoxifen.
- lifestyle decisions such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and diet.
- future planning (financial, family planning) or coping (emotional).
They perceive that their risk for having a BRCA mutation is high.
They can afford to pay for testing or know that testing is covered by insurance.
They have a reliable support network of family and friends, and are at a point in life when they can cope with test results — whether positive or negative.

Cons

Some reasons why people decide not to have testing are:

There is no personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
There is not enough information to adequately interpret a genetic test result: They do not have relatives who have had genetic testing, a documented family history of cancer, or an ethnic background with known genetic mutations.
They know that BRCA tests do not look for all possible mutations — and that test results cannot guarantee 100 percent that someone does not have a BRCA mutation.
Test results would not affect their medical decisions or lifestyle changes.
They do not consider their risk for being a carrier high.
They have a personal history of depression or anxiety and are concerned about how they would cope with test results — whether positive or negative.
They do not have a reliable support network of family and friends, or they are not at a point in life when they can cope with results — whether positive or negative.
They do not want test results in their medical record due to concerns about insurance (health or life) or employment discrimination.
They cannot afford to pay for testing or do not have insurance coverage.

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