Should You Consider Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer?

“I recommend that people not get into their head, ‘I need this specific type of test’ from what they read, because it really is a complex decision about what test should be done,” says University of Washington geneticist Robin Bennett. She also notes, “I think that a big barrier that people often feel is worry that they’re going to be discriminated against [if they have genetic testing], but there is a federal law called the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act that protects people, that says this is not a preexisting condition.”

Bennett recommends you should consider genetic testing if you:

• Are 45 years old or younger and have had breast cancer (which would allow your

family members to know if they are at risk)

• Are 50 years old or younger and have had two primary breast cancers (one in both breasts or two sequential cancers)

• Have a personal or family history of ovarian cancer

• Are male and have had breast cancer

• Are of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry and have a personal or family history of breast, ovarian or pancreatic cancer

• Have a family member who has tested positive for a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation

• Have a family member who has had triple negative breast cancer