Breast Cancer		Inheritance of Altered BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes   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? Breast cancer genetics, like all genetics, follow certain basic rules. Genes do not skip generations. If a woman does not have a breast cancer gene underlying her own breast cancer, she has no known breast cancer gene to pass on. However, your daughter will also want to look at her father's family history in order to evaluate her own risk. Questions Related to Inheritance of Altered BRCA1 and 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? 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? 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? 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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