Should You Consider Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer?
Inheriting certain genes can increase a woman's risk for developing breast or ovarian cancer, often at a younger age.
Starting at age 25, we recommend that every woman share her personal and family history with her doctor to see if she's at increased risk.
If you have a personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer, use this chart to see whether you should consider genetic testing.
Step 1: Print this page and check all items in the chart that are true for you.
Personal and Family History Risk Factors
| Breast cancer before age 50 | Yes |
|---|---|
| Yourself | |
| Mother | |
| Daughter | |
| Sister | |
| Maternal grandmother (mother's mother) | |
| Aunt (mother's sister) | |
| Paternal grandmother (father's mother) | |
| Aunt (father's sister) |
| Ovarian cancer at any age | |
|---|---|
| Yourself | |
| Mother | |
| Daughter | |
| Sister | |
| Maternal grandmother (mother's mother) | |
| Aunt (mother's sister) | |
| Paternal grandmother (father's mother) | |
| Aunt (father's sister) |
| Other family risk factors | |
|---|---|
| Two or more cases of breast cancer on the same side of the family after age 50 | |
| Mother, sister, or daughter with breast cancer in both breasts | |
| Male relative with breast cancer | |
| Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry |
Step 2: If you checked 2 or more items in the above chart, talk to your doctor and see if you need a referral to our Genetics or Medical Oncology departments for further evaluation.
Clinical review by Janet Chestnut, MD
Group Health
Reviewed 05/03/2012
Group Health
Reviewed 05/03/2012
