Though it has not been a common problem to date, there is concern that this woman may incur insurance discrimination . Women who test positive for BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations may have trouble obtaining or keeping life insurance, health insurance, or disability insurance. Several states have enacted laws with the hope of preventing this. Regardless of the result, the woman will require psychological adjustment . Women who are found to have the mutation must be supported through this difficult revelation, while women who test negative may experience difficulty accepting the new information and also will need support.
Genetic testing is an extremely complex laboratory process.
The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are very large, and mutations may occur at any location along the genes's length. The circles and dots represent places in the BRCA1 gene where mutations have been found. This is difficult and expensive. If we can identify the family mutation, we can then test an individual who is not affected. If the woman designated by the arrow requests testing, we must first determine if her family has the characteristics of hereditary cancer.