This is an important issue you should discuss with a genetic counselor before being tested. The test does not diagnose cancer nor will it predict if or when cancer will develop. A genetic test may detect mutations in the genetic information that puts someone at a higher than average risk to develop breast cancer. Current national estimates show that, on average, one woman in eight develops breast cancer at some time in her life. However, the vast majority of breast cancer cases occur after the age of fifty.
Cancer can occur for reasons other than heredity.
Many risk factors may contribute to breast cancer whether or not someone is born with a specific genetic mutation. These factors include age, lifestyle, and environmental factors. If a woman does not have a specific mutation that is also present in family members with breast cancer, she has at least the same risk for breast cancer as the rest of the female population. Appropriate medical checkups and breast self-exams are important whether or not a mutation is present. Test results can give you and health care professionals guidance for follow-up, screening, and further discussion of options.