Knowledge is power, and genetic testing is an important way to empower yourself with potentially life-saving information. That said, genetic testing can have emotional implications that are important to consider. If someone finds out that they carry a genetic mutation, they may feel as if they are sick, even if they never ultimately get cancer. On the flip side, a negative result may produce a false sense of security. Someone without genetic mutations can still get cancer. It just means they are at average risk for the disease. Sometimes, the results of genetic testing can cause family tension, especially if some members get positive results while others are negative for a mutation. But it’s important that family members are aware of their genetic history. There are resources that can help in sharing information with your family. We know so much more now than we did decades ago, when genetic testing first became possible. For instance, we now know that the most common and lethal type of ovarian cancer actually begins in the fallopian tubes. So if someone found out that they have a genetic mutation that puts them at an increased risk for ovarian cancer, they can discuss with their doctor actions they can take to prevent it - whether that be oral contraception (which has shown to reduce risk for both ovarian and endometrial/uterine cancer) or prophylactic surgery (removing the fallopian tubes and/or ovaries). No one has to live in fear of the unknown, because there are actions - safe and effective actions - that someone can take.