You’ve seen stories about women with a family history of breast cancer choosing preventative surgery to significantly reduce the risk of breast cancer. Since your sister, mom or grandmother has had breast cancer, it has you wondering: should you choose genetic testing to find out if you’re more likely to develop cancer?

“The ability to identify if someone is at increased risk for breast cancer due to family history is extremely powerful,” said Amanda Woodworth, MD, Regional Director of Breast Health, Chestnut Hill Hospital – Tower Health. Some women inherit changes, mutations, in certain genes that increases their risk of breast cancer and possibly other cancers. Genetic testing can be done to look for mutations in some of these genes.

Those who have a family history of breast cancer have a higher risk of getting breast cancer. When it comes to breast cancer risk, the most important inherited gene changes are in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. However, more recently, we have identified genetic changes in other genes that could put someone at increased risk for developing breast and other cancers. Women (and men) with one of these genes are said to have Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) syndrome. Testing can be done to look for one (or a few) specific mutation(s), or more extensive testing can be done.

Experts have developed general guidelines for which women (and men) should consider genetic counseling/testing including women who have already been diagnosed with breast cancer, those with an extensive family history and people with a known family history of genetic changes.

Genetic testing has potential benefits whether the results are positive or negative for a gene mutation. Test results can provide a sense of relief from uncertainty and help people make informed decisions about managing their health care. For example, a negative result can eliminate the need for unnecessary checkups and screening tests in some cases. A positive result can direct a person toward available prevention, monitoring, and treatment options.

Genetic testing can help you plan for the road ahead. For some women, the benefits of genetic testing include the ability to make informed medical and lifestyle decisions while reducing the anxiety of not knowing their genetic background. Others gain critical information to make proactive decisions to decrease their risk of breast cancer.

Join us at a free online seminar on Tuesday Oct. 6, from 12 to 1 p.m. hosted by Amanda Woodworth, MD, breast surgeon, to discover the benefits, limitations, and risks of testing so you can be informed and empowered to make your choice. Register today! Visit chwellnessevents.com.