Should you get genetic testing for breast cancer? Some people are afraid to get tested, and others are afraid not to.
A Mayo Clinic expert shares her perspective on who should consider genetic testing based on family history.
We asked a Mayo Clinic oncologist: Who should get genetic testing for breast cancer?
Sandhya Pruthi, M.D., Breast Diagnostic Clinic: Genetic testing has expanded now more than ever. The most common reason that somebody would do genetic testing is if they have a family history. If they've got multiple affected relatives over many generations with many types of cancers.
We want to know if that genetic mutation exists because we can act more proactively in how we could potentially prevent the cancer.
If you've been diagnosed with breast cancer you should be tested. We think that it's important to know if you have the genetic mutation and have a cancer diagnosis because you may benefit from certain medications.
One that people don't even think about is if a male had breast cancer in their family, that's an individual who we have been able to associate a higher finding of a BRCA mutation or a breast cancer mutation in the family.
Some people don't want to know because it could create more anxiety, not only for them but for their family members. But times have changed, and if we can understand a potential hereditary mutation exists, we can recommend a treatment that could prevent a cancer.
If these family members knew that they could share that information with other family members. I tell them, "Think about how it could help your children or your grandchildren."
Dr. Pruthi has helped thousands of women make decisions about genetic testing for breast cancer.
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