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\nIf your family has a history of breast or ovarian cancer, talk with your doctor or nurse about it. You may be at increased risk for developing these and other types of cancer.
\nGenetic counseling and genetic testing can help you understand your risk for certain types of cancer that can run in families.
\nDoctors don\u2019t recommend genetic testing for all women. But you may want to talk about testing with your doctor if you have:
\nYou may also want to ask about genetic testing if you've already had breast or ovarian cancer.
\nGenetic testing can\u2019t tell you whether or not you'll get cancer \u2013 or whether you'll get cancer a second time \u2013 but it can show if you have a genetic change that increases your risk. If you do, you and your doctor can discuss options for managing your risk.
\nGenetic counseling is when a trained health professional talks with you about your family health history and helps you decide if genetic testing makes sense for you.
\nFind out more about genetic counseling for breast and ovarian cancer.
\nGenetic tests help doctors look for certain harmful mutations (changes) in genes that get passed down in families.
\nIf you have one of these mutations in certain genes, like BRCA1 or BRCA2, you're more likely to develop breast cancer and ovarian cancer. You're also more likely to develop these cancers at a younger age. And you may also be at increased risk for developing some other kinds of cancer.
\nTo learn more, check out:
\n \nSome women with an increased risk of breast cancer start getting screened at a younger age \u2013 or get screenings more often than women with normal risk. This can help catch breast cancer early, when it's easier to treat. Talk with your doctor about when and how often to get screened.
\nScientists are studying certain medicines to find out if they can lower breast cancer risk in women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Taking medicines to lower cancer risk is called chemoprevention. Learn more about medicines that may reduce breast cancer risk.
\nSome women with an increased risk of breast or ovarian cancer can have surgery to lower their risk. Learn more about surgery to reduce breast cancer risk.
\nThere are side effects and possible harms from both surgery and chemoprevention, so it\u2019s important to talk with your doctor or nurse about your cancer risk and the different options.
\nStart by talking with a doctor or nurse about your cancer risk.
\nUse this family health history tool to keep track of the diseases that run in your family. Share the information with your doctor or nurse.
\nTake this list of questions about genetic testing to your next doctor\u2019s appointment.
\nAll women can take steps to lower their risk for breast or ovarian cancer. Ask your doctor for advice. You can also learn more by checking out these resources:
\n \nThe Affordable Care Act requires most health insurance plans to cover these services for women at higher risk of getting breast cancer:
\nDepending on your insurance plan, you may be able to get counseling at no cost to you. Check with your insurance company to learn more. For information about other preventive services covered by the Affordable Care Act, visit HealthCare.gov.
\nYou may want to ask your doctor or a genetic counselor these questions:
\nYour doctor or counselor can help you think about what you will learn and how the results will affect you and your family.
\nHere are some questions to think about:
\nYou and your doctor can decide whether genetic counseling and testing makes sense for you. But whatever you decide, remember that all women still need regular cancer screenings and checkups.
\nIf you're age 50 to 74, get tested for breast cancer every 2 years. If you're age 40 to 49, talk with your doctor about when and how often to get tested.
\nGet a well-woman visit every year. Use this visit to talk with your doctor or nurse about important screenings and services to help you stay healthy.
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