Breast And Ovarian Cancer (BRCA) Genetic Test: Why Would I Not Be Tested
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Why would I not be tested?
You may have several reasons not to have the test:
- You may face difficult emotions. You may be afraid and anxious if you test positive. You may feel guilty if you test negative and someone in your family tests positive.
- You are concerned about how the results might affect your relationships. You have to decide if you would tell a family member—a sister or daughter, for example—who then has to decide if he or she wants to have the test.
- Your insurance does not cover the testing, or covers only some of it. Genetic testing can be very expensive (several hundred to several thousand dollars).
- You are concerned about how the information might affect your employment or your health, life, and disability insurance.
- You would not take preventive steps—such as regular exams and tests, taking medicine, or having your breasts or ovaries removed—no matter what the test results are.
| Last updated: | September 19, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH |
| Reviewed By: | Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine, Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC |
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