Breast Cancer		Issues To Consider Prior to Getting Genetically Tested   If I am thinking about getting genetically tested, what questions should I ask? What are the chances that a gene alteration is involved in the cancer in my family? What are my chances of having an altered gene? Besides altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, what are other risk factors for breast and ovarian cancer? Are all genetic tests the same? How much does the test cost? How long will it take to get my results? What are the possible results of the genetic test? What would a positive result mean for me? What would a negative result mean for me? How might a positive genetic test result affect my: health insurance? Life insurance? Employment? Do I want to submit my genetic test results to an insurance company? If yes, will they pay for the testing? Where will my test results be placed/recorded? How might this affect me? Who will have access to my genetic test results? Will having the genetic test do anything to make me change my current health practices? What are my reasons for wanting to be tested genetically? What type of cancer screening would be recommended if I don't get tested? What effect will the test results have on me and on my relationships with my family members if: I have an altered gene? I don't have an altered gene? Should I share my genetic test results with my partner? Parents? Children? Friends? Others? How will my family react to the news, which also affects them? Are my children ready to learn new genetic information that may one day affect their own health? Questions Related to Issues To Consider Prior to Getting Genetically Tested 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? 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? Page 1 of 1    | 1 |

© 2004 healthsearches.org. All rights reserved.