What do the results mean?

A negative result means you do not have changes in BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. A positive result means you do have a change on one or both of the genes. Sometimes the test result is uncertain—neither positive nor negative.

It may take several weeks for you to get the results.

Is testing accurate?

No test is 100% accurate. The BRCA test cannot find all possible changes to the genes. It is possible that the test will show you do not have genetic changes when you do. This is called a false-negative test result.

Your test would be most helpful if you first had a close family member who had breast or ovarian cancer genetic tests. If this person tested positive, it means there is a known BRCA change in your family. If the family member's test results are negative, it usually is not helpful to test the rest of the family.

If you have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, a negative BRCA result does not mean that you will not get cancer. There are other causes of breast and ovarian cancer.

BRCA testing sometimes shows genetic changes that may not be linked to cancer. More research is needed to find out if these changes increase cancer risk.

Should I be tested?

You may have several reasons to have the test:

• If you test positive, you would consider steps to lower your chance of cancer. These steps might include:
  • For breast cancer, regular clinical breast exams, mammograms and/or MRIs, taking medicine, or having your breast tissue or ovaries removed.
  • For ovarian cancer, having your ovaries removed after you are done having children, or after age 35.
• You would feel anxious not knowing if you have a higher chance of cancer.
• You have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer. The chance is highest if you have two or more close relatives (mother, sister, or daughter) who have had breast or ovarian cancer, especially at a young age.
• You are of Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish ancestry, with a personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer. This group has a higher chance of having a BRCA gene change.
• Your insurance covers some or all of the cost of testing.
• If you test positive, you want to alert other family members (such as a sister or daughter) so they may consider having the test.