When a genetic test makes sense

A genetic test for hereditary changes makes sense when breast or ovarian cancer has occurred frequently or at a young age in your family. It is not a routine test for everyone.

Genetic counseling comes before every test. There you talk through what a possible result would mean, for you and also for your family, and what consequences could follow from it. A test is voluntary and is not a diagnosis but a way to place your risk in context.

If a test comes back positive, it does not mean you will definitely get cancer. It means that close follow-up screening and, if needed, further measures are especially important. Living with elevated risk