Should I Get Tested for the Breast and Ovarian Cancer Genes?

The decision whether to have a BRCA gene test takes into account your personal feelings and the medical facts.

Reasons to have a BRCA gene test

• If you tested positive, you would want to take steps to lower your chances of getting cancer.
• You need to know if your chances of getting cancer are higher because of a BRCA gene change.
• You have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer.
• You are Jewish and there is breast or ovarian cancer in your family.
• Your insurance covers some or all of the cost of testing.
• You want to let other relatives know if you test positive so that they can think about having the test.

Reasons to not have a BRCA gene test

• You are worried about how the test results will affect your relationships. You would have to decide if you would tell other family members, who would then have to decide whether to be tested.
• Your insurance does not cover the testing, or it covers only part of the cost.
• You are worried about how the test results might affect your job or your health insurance or life insurance.
• You would not take steps to lower your chances of getting cancer if you tested positive.
• You do not want to know if your chances of getting cancer are higher because of a BRCA gene change.