The state Department of Public Health created a webpage with questions and answers about genetic testing for breast or ovarian cancer. The page provides background information on the role of genetics in these cancers, as well as advantages and disadvantages of genetic testing.
The page cautions that most women will not benefit from genetic testing, as the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are not common. The majority of breast cancer and ovarian cancer cases are not caused by hereditary factors. The webpage notes that:
The webpage lists several factors that may increase the risk of having a BRCA gene mutation. It also contains links with additional information on genetic testing and online family health history and risk assessment tools.“Genetic testing may be a consideration for the small number of women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age, or whose specific family history patterns are associated with an increased risk for potentially harmful mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.”
