Breast Cancer Gene Mutation

Who should have genetic counseling and consider genetic testing for hereditary breast cancer?

• A woman age 50 or younger who has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

• A woman of any age of has had ovarian cancer or who has a first-degree* relative diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

• Multiple breast or ovarian cancers (primary cancer) in a woman or a first degree relative.

• Any individual with multiple family members with breast or ovarian cancer.

• Any male with diagnosed breast cancer or individuals, male or female, with a family history of male breast cancer.

• An individual with triple negative breast cancer at age 60 or younger; triple negative means the cancer cells lack certain biomarkers that make the cells responsive to treatment.

• An individual of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage.

*First-degree relatives include parents, siblings and children.

Sources: National Comprehensive Cancer Network; and Melissa Dempsey, genetics counselor, Parkview Comprehensive Cancer Center

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