Why do I need a BRCA genetic test?
BRCA testing is not recommended for most people. BRCA gene mutations are rare, affecting only about 0.2 percent of the U.S. population. But you may want this test if you think you are at a higher risk of having the mutation. You are more likely to have a BRCA mutation if you:
Have or had breast cancer that was diagnosed before age 50
Have or had breast cancer in both breasts
Have or had both breast and ovarian cancer
Have one or more family members with breast cancer
Have a male relative with breast cancer
Have a relative already diagnosed with a BRCA mutation
Are of Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish ancestry. BRCA mutations are much more common in this group compared to the general population. BRCA mutations are also more common in people from other parts of Europe, including, Iceland, Norway, and Denmark.
