What are the benefits and complications of genetic testing for breast cancer?
There are several benefits linked with genetic testing for breast cancer. However, there are also some complications that may result from genetic testing.
Benefits
When your genetic testing shows a positive result, it may empower you to take precautionary steps, such as:
- Taking drugs to lower breast cancer risk (chemoprevention) [4]
- Receiving more frequent breast cancer [5] screenings
- Making lifestyle changes that reduce your chances of developing breast cancer, such as staying away from alcohol and being more physically active
- Undergoing a preventive surgery, such as a mastectomy [6]
- Learning more about breast cancer and potential symptoms
- Family members can learn more about breast cancer from your results. In most cases, your parents, children, and siblings may have the same variations as you. This means they may also need to be tested if you have a positive result.
If you get a negative test, you will feel relief knowing that you don’t have the genetic variants. A positive result will make you more intentional about taking preventive steps.