Genetic testing is recommended if you fall into certain categories perceived as high risk. If you are of Ashkenazi Jewish descent, you are likely to have a higher incidence of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations in your family history when compared to the general population. Those from Dutch, Norwegian and Icelandic backgrounds also seem to have a predisposition to certain BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic changes. Additionally, there have been cases of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations that target specific racial and ethnic groups, including Asian-Americans, Latinos and African-Americans.

If you are concerned that you may develop BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, it’s wise to talk to your medical professional. Among the people who should be most concerned are those who have developed cancer in both breasts; those who have a family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer, particularly if they struck the same woman; those who developed breast cancer before they turned 50 years old; patients who have developed breast cancer multiple times; and those who have been diagnosed to have relatives with two or more BRCA1 or BRCA2 cancers in the same family.

Genetic Testing

Fortunately, there are several types of genetic testing available that can help medical professionals keep a close eye on those individuals who are most likely to develop the BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. The tests can look for the same type of mutation that has been identified in other family members, and the test can consider which type of mutation may occur in an individual based on variations of the identified mutation. The simple lab test takes about one month to get results.

While looking for bad news that has not yet developed may seem like a hypochondriac position, there are good things about getting genetic testing done early that have nothing to do with the results of your BRCA1 and BRCA2 tests. These are true whether you get a positive or negative result on the gene testings.