Breast Cancer		Advantages of Genetic Testing   What are the advantages of genetic testing? Genetic testing for breast cancer has the following advantages: Determine whether or not you have an altered gene Make medical and lifestyle choices to reduce your risk Cope with your cancer risk Decide whether or not to take proactive measures, such as taking tamoxifen or having prophylactic surgery Share useful genetic information with your family Contribute to medical research and knowledge about breast cancer Questions Related to Advantages of Genetic Testing What is genetic testing for cancer? What role do genetics play in breast cancer? Are some woman genetically predisposed to breast cancer? What are BRCA1 and BRCA2? How are BRCA1 and BRCA2 involved in causing cancer? Could I inherit a breast cancer abnormality gene from my father? Does every woman with an abnormal BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene get breast cancer? Who should get genetic testing? How much does genetic testing for breast cancer cost? Where can I get genetically tested for breast cancer? How is the test for BRCA1 and BRCA2 performed? What can I do if I have altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes? If my genetic tests do not show that I have the altered genes, BRCA1 or BRCA2, does this mean that I will not get breast cancer? Are certain populations or ethnicities more likely to have altered BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes? Is genetic testing covered by insurance? I have breast cancer. What are the chances that my children could develop other kinds of cancer? Because I had breast cancer and was also in the at-risk population, I was advised to have genetic testing. Fortunately, I am not a carrier. But is it possible that the altered breast cancer gene could skip a generation and show up in my daughter? What are the disadvantages of genetic testing? Why is psychological counseling a component of genetic testing? If I test positive for altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, can my insurance carrier drop me? Is genetic discrimination prohibited by law? Should I share my genetic test results with my husband or partner? If I am thinking about getting genetically tested, what questions should I ask? Page 1 of 1    | 1 |

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