Breast Cancer (BRCA) Gene Test: How To Prepare

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How To Prepare

Genetic counseling is strongly recommended before and after a BRCA test to help you understand the benefits, risks, and possible outcomes of the test. A BRCA test gives you the chance to make informed medical and lifestyle decisions. But information about having gene changes could affect your employment or your health, life, and disability insurance. Genetic counselors are trained to talk with you about the test and its results, including the medical information and your emotional concerns.

This test can cause a great deal of worry, both before and after the test. Talk with a genetic counselor before the test to help you prepare for and cope with this worry. Think about what you may do if your test is positive. For example, would you consider any prevention measures, such as the following:

• For breast cancer: A yearly mammogram, a clinical breast exam at regular times, preventive mastectomy (removal of both breasts), taking a medicine (tamoxifen), or having your children before age 30
• For ovarian cancer: Using birth control pills or having your ovaries removed (oophorectomy)

You will be asked to sign a consent form before the test. Talk to your health professional about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risks, or how it will be done. To help you understand the importance of this test, fill out the medical test information form (What is a PDF document?) .

No other special preparation is needed before you have this test.

Should I have a gene test for breast and ovarian cancer?

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