Breast Cancer		Lack of Altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 Genes   If my genetic tests do not show that I have the altered genes, BRCA1 or BRCA2, does this mean that I will not get breast cancer? Normal genetic testing results don't guarantee healthy genes. In some families, many women have had breast cancer, yet they all test normal for the known breast cancer mutations. These families may have an inherited form of breast cancer caused by a genetic abnormality that hasn't been identified yet. Abnormal genes are just one of many risk factors for breast cancer. Most cases of breast cancer do not involve an altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. Statistics show that at most, 1 in 10 breast cancers cases involve an inherited altered gene. The bottom line is that the absence of altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes is by no means a guarantee against developing breast cancer. Questions Related to Lack of Altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 Genes What is genetic testing for cancer? What role do genetics play in breast cancer? Are some woman genetically predisposed to breast cancer? What are BRCA1 and BRCA2? How are BRCA1 and BRCA2 involved in causing cancer? Could I inherit a breast cancer abnormality gene from my father? Does every woman with an abnormal BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene get breast cancer? Who should get genetic testing? How much does genetic testing for breast cancer cost? Where can I get genetically tested for breast cancer? How is the test for BRCA1 and BRCA2 performed? What can I do if I have altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes? Are certain populations or ethnicities more likely to have altered BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes? Is genetic testing covered by insurance? I have breast cancer. What are the chances that my children could develop other kinds of cancer? Because I had breast cancer and was also in the at-risk population, I was advised to have genetic testing. Fortunately, I am not a carrier. But is it possible that the altered breast cancer gene could skip a generation and show up in my daughter? What are the advantages of genetic testing? What are the disadvantages of genetic testing? Why is psychological counseling a component of genetic testing? If I test positive for altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, can my insurance carrier drop me? Is genetic discrimination prohibited by law? Should I share my genetic test results with my husband or partner? If I am thinking about getting genetically tested, what questions should I ask? Page 1 of 1    | 1 |

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