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Should I Get Tested?

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 11, 2008

Lots of questions should be asked before anyone undergoes testing for the breast cancer genes, says Sue Friedman, founder of Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered (FORCE). A comprehensive list of risk assessment questions and options is available at the support group's Web site: www.facingourrisk.org.

Among them:

•Do you have a family history of cancers? Key candidates for testing include those with two or more family members with ovarian cancer and/or breast cancer, especially if the breast cancer was diagnosed at or before age 50. Any ovarian cancers or male breast cancer in the family are also red flags.

•Are you of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage? While 1 in 500 Americans are genetically predisposed to breast and ovarian cancer, that number drops to 1 in 40 for Ashkenazi Jews. Friedman says 90 percent of American Jews are Ashkenazi.

•Have you talked to a genetic counselor? A counselor should be seen before and after testing to determine a true family health history. The FORCE Web site includes help in finding a genetic counselor.

•Are relatives being tested? The best persons to be tested for the BRCA mutation are breast cancer survivors. They can help determine if siblings, children and others may be more at risk.

•Are you staying informed? As many as 90 percent of all cancers have no hereditary link, meaning it's critical individuals stay on top of their own health, including monthly breast self-exams.

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Should I Get Tested?