Get Your Questions Answered

BRCA1 and BRCA2: Cancer Risk and Genetic Testing

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• What are BRCA1 and BRCA2?
• How much does having a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation increase a woman’s risk of breast and ovarian cancer?
• What other cancers have been linked to mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2?
• Are mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 more common in certain racial/ethnic populations than others?
• Are genetic tests available to detect BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations?
• Who should consider genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations?
• Should people considering genetic testing for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations talk with a genetic counselor?
• How much does BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation testing cost?
• What does a positive BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic test result mean?
• What does a negative BRCA1 or BRCA2 test result mean?
• What does an ambiguous or uncertain BRCA1 or BRCA2 test result mean?
• How can a person who has a positive test result manage their risk of cancer?
• What are some of the benefits of genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer risk?
• What are some of the possible harms of genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer risk?
• What are the implications of having a harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation for breast and ovarian cancer prognosis and treatment?
• What research is currently being done to help individuals with harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2mutations?
• Do inherited mutations in other genes increase the risk of breast and/or ovarian tumors?