Tag:

BRCA2

Should I Get Genetic Testing For Breast Cancer? Should I Get Genetic Testing For Breast Cancer?
Should I Get Genetic Testing For Breast Cancer? Dear Doctor, My mom and grandmother both had breast cancer. I’m assuming it’s genetic, but I’ve never gotten the test to confirm. Should I get tested—and how can I reduce the risk of getting it myself? Sincerely, “Concerned and Curious” Dear Concerned: I understand why you’re worried. Anywhere from about 5% to 10% of all breast cancer cases are hereditary—meaning they’re caused by a gene mutation passed on from a parent. The most common of these are mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, which cause about half of all hereditary cases. If there is a family history of breast cancer at an …