FAQs

I have a couple of relatives who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Does that automatically mean I am at high risk?

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August 28, 2014
Not necessarily. It really depends on the pattern of cancer in your family. Your doctor may suspect Hereditary Breast and…
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What does a formal risk assessment involve?

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August 28, 2014
This process typically involves working through the following series of steps with a genetic counselor: Education about breast and ovarian…
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Are the so-called “breast cancer genes” (BRCA1 and BRCA2) the only two that increase breast cancer risk? And are they always inherited on the mother’s side?

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August 28, 2014
You can inherit mutations in the genes known as “BRCA1” or “BRCA2” from either your mother’s or your father’s side…
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If I do have a BRCA mutation, how does my risk for breast cancer compare to that of an average woman? Am I at risk for any other health conditions?

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August 28, 2014
If you have a BRCA mutation, your lifetime risk of breast cancer ranges from 50 to 85 percent, versus 13…
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I’m not sure I want to know whether or not I have inherited a BRCA mutation. What are the main advantages and disadvantages of going through with genetic counseling and testing?

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August 28, 2014
The main advantage is knowledge. If you know that the breast and/or ovarian cancer in your family is due to…
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