Women who are not of Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish heritage should be referred for genetic evaluation if they have any of the following:
• Two first-degree relatives (mother, sisters, daughters) with breast cancer, one of whom was diagnosed when they were younger than 50
• Three or more first- or second-degree relatives (includes grandmothers, aunts) diagnosed with breast cancer
• Both breast and ovarian cancer among first- and second-degree relatives
• A first-degree relative diagnosed with cancer in both breasts
• Two or more first- or second-degree relatives diagnosed with ovarian cancer
• A male relative with breast cancer
Women of Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish heritage should be referred for genetic evaluation if they have:
• A first-degree relative with breast or ovarian cancer
• Two second-degree relatives on the same side of the family with breast or ovarian cancer
I am often asked what about BRCA testing and what is the criteria. I decided to include from www.cancer.org what the recommendations are for testing so that you can see for yourself what we look at in determining who should have testing. It is strongly recommended that you talk to a doctor, nurse or genetic counselor who is qualified in regards to interpretation of the results and help with the decision making. American Cancer Society does have a booklet called :GENETIC TESTING, WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW and again you can access that through their site: www. cancer. org.
Make it a great day! S