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Approximately 5-10 percent of women who develop breast cancer have inherited an alteration (mutation) in a breast cancer susceptibility gene. Families which carry alterations in the most common susceptibility genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, are often characterized by multiple family members with breast cancer (often diagnosed at young ages), women with breast cancer in both breasts, men with breast cancer, and individuals with other types of cancer such as ovarian cancer and prostate cancer. 

A careful examination of the family tree (also known as a pedigree) provides clues about the possible causes of increased cancer within a family. Genetic counselors are available to perform genetic risk assessments, including constructing a pedigree to determine who may benefit from genetic testing. Genetic testing can determine if someone has inherited an alteration in a breast cancer susceptibility gene that would impact the individual's risk of developing certain types of cancer.

Our genetic counselors can:

• Determine what genetic test is most appropriate given an individual's personal and family history of cancer 
• Discuss the risks and benefits of undergoing genetic testing 
• Explain how different genetic alterations impact an individual's lifetime risk of developing breast and possibly other cancers 
• Assist with determining whether or not health insurance covers this testing
• In conjunction with a physician, discuss how the test results might be used to design a personalized screening and risk-reducing health plan

Eligible individuals may enroll in clinical trials designed to develop new prevention therapies/medicines for breast cancer and improve our understanding of the biology of this type of disease.