The pros and cons of genetic testing for breast and ovarian cancer risk

Nearly 10% of breast and ovarian cancers develop as a direct consequence of an inherited flaw in the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2. The protein products of th ese genes suppress the development of cancer, in part by repairing damage i n other genes. Women who inherit a nonfunctioning copy of either BRCA1 or B RCA2 therefore have a significantly elevated lifetime risk of breast cancer , especially at an early age. Identification of hereditary breast and ovari an cancer susceptibility allows optimized medical management of an individu al's increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Significantly, testing ma y also identify women in "high-risk" families who did not themselves inheri t cancer susceptibility, allowing them to avoid unnecessary medical interve ntion. Choosing to be tested for breast and ovarian cancer risk is a compli cated task however. It takes into account concerns about insurance liabilit y, family dynamics, and an individual's psychological needs. From the limit ed research, evidence suggests that for individuals in high-risk families i t is more beneficial to know than not to know one's genetic status. Educati on and counseling may improve public perception about genetic testing for b reast cancer.