The Basics
Genetic counseling and testing for breast and ovarian cancer
If close relatives of yours have had breast or ovarian cancer, you may be at higher risk. Genetic counseling and testing can help you understand your chances of getting cancer.
Genetic tests help doctors look for changes (or mutations) in your genes. If you have changes in certain genes, called BRCA1 and BRCA2, you are more likely to get breast or ovarian cancer.
Talk with your doctor about genetic testing if:
- 2 or more of your close relatives (such as parents, siblings, or children) have had breast or ovarian cancer
- a close family member developed breast cancer before age 50
- a family member had both breast and ovarian cancer
- you have Eastern European Jewish heritage
Learn more about genetic testing:
