What is Genetic Testing?

Genetic testing may tell you if you have a mutation in a gene that might lead to cancer or other medical conditions. To get a genetic test, you usually have to give a blood sample to be carefully examined. Scientists look at DNA that is taken from cells in your blood to determine if you carry genes for certain inherited disorders.

A positive test means that a mutation was found. A negative test means that a mutation was not found. Keep in mind that no test is perfect. What the test reveals when it is done might not be clear enough to tell whether the test is positive or negative.

A positive test does not mean that a woman will definitely get cancer. It means that a woman may be more likely to get cancer under some conditions.