The American Cancer Society strongly recommends that any person considering genetic testing should talk to a genetic counselor, nurse or doctor qualified to interpret and explain these test results, before they proceed with testing. It is very important for people to understand and carefully weigh the benefits and risks of genetic testing before these tests are done. Testing is expensive, and is not covered by some health plans. There is concern that people with abnormal genetic test results will not be able to get insurance, or coverage may only be available at a much higher cost. For more information, refer to the American Cancer Society policy statement on genetic testing.
Blood relatives can be from either the mother's or father's side of the family.
This is different from a recurrence of the first cancer. White women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than are African-American women. But African Americans are more likely to die of this cancer. Asian and Hispanic women have a lower risk of developing breast cancer. Women whose earlier breast biopsies were diagnosed as proliferative breast disease without atypia may have a slightly higher risk of breast cancer.