Genetic Testing for Breast and Ovarian Cancer

Specialized counseling about your cancer risk
800-865-1125

Flash video on genetic testing for breast cancer and ovarian cancer

Are you at risk for breast cancer or ovarian cancer?


Some forms of these cancers are genetic, or passed along within a family. Watch our video to learn more.
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Genetic Testing for Breast and Ovarian Cancer


Two genes, BRCA1 and BRCA2, are known to dramatically increase a woman's risk of developing breast cancer and ovarian cancer in her lifetime.


More than 190,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year. But only 5-10% of those breast cancers are caused by an inherited genetic mutation. The same gene can put women at a higher risk of ovarian cancer as well. Genetic counseling for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations can tell a woman whether she is at increased risk for these cancers. The test does not guarantee who will or will not get breast cancer or ovarian cancer.

Those most appropriate for genetic counseling have:

  • High numbers of family members with cancer diagnoses (especially breast and ovarian) throughout several generations, either maternal or paternal
  • Family member diagnosed with cancer before age 50
  • Family members who have been diagnosed with multiple cancers (for example, breast and ovarian)
  • Male breast cancers, or clusterings of other cancers such as colon, prostate, stomach or pancreatic

While it's important for every woman to understand her individual risk, genetic testing may not be the right option for everyone.

Call the Cancer AnswerLine

800-865-1125

Cancer AnswerLine Hours:
Monday - Friday, 8am-5:30pm ET

Or, have one of our Cancer AnswerLine Nurses call you back.

Put a friendly face to the voice!

Our Cancer AnswerLine Nurses

Our Cancer AnswerLine nurses
Annette M. Schork, R.N., B.S.N., O.C.N., C.B.C.N.; Rebecca Eggleston, R.N., B.S.N., O.C.N. and Kim Zapor, R.N., B.S.N., O.C.N., C.B.C.N.
Not pictured: Jean Campbell, R.N.

Genetic counseling at the University of Michigan

The University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center offers genetic counseling as well as follow-up care to provide prevention, risk management and coping strategies for women who test positive for a BRCA mutation.

Risk Assessment:    The Breast and Ovarian Risk Evaluation Program, led by Dr. Sofia Merajver, provides individuals with an accurate assessment of their personal risk for developing breast cancer or ovarian cancer and offers a plan for follow-up and preventive care. ...Read more Gynecologic care:   For women who test positive for BRCA mutations, Dr. Mark Pearlman's clinic offers follow-up care and monitoring. ...Read more Surgical options:   The Cancer Center's Surgical Oncology clinic offers prophylactic mastectomy, which is surgery to remove healthy breasts, and specialized plastic surgeons offer breast reconstruction. ...Read more