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Personal stories about having a gene test for breast and ovarian cancer

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

Fran, age 30: My mother died of ovarian cancer, and I am Jewish. I want to know if I have inherited a BRCA gene defect, so I am going to have the test. If my test result is positive, I won't hesitate to have surgery to keep from getting either one of these cancers.

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Callie, age 32: I have some family history of breast cancer, but I'm not going to have a gene test. I know that most people with a family history don't have a BRCA gene defect-they just have a family history. There's a difference. And I don't think I want to live the rest of my life knowing that I have a higher chance of getting cancer than most people. I also worry about having a positive test result on my medical record, where insurance companies and employers might see it.

Samantha, age 55: My grandmother died of breast cancer, my mother had breast cancer, and I just finished treatment for my own breast cancer. I'm going to have a gene test, because I want my children to know whether a BRCA gene defect runs in the family. If I test positive, my children and my brother's family will have more information to protect their health.

Rae, age 25: There's no way I could afford a gene test, because I don't have health insurance at my job. And although I have two aunts who have had breast cancer, the small chance that I might have inherited a gene defect doesn't really bother me.

Author	Kathe Gallagher, MSW
Editor	Kathleen M. Ariss, MS
Editor	Cynthia Tank
Associate Editor	Michele Cronen
Associate Editor	Pat Truman, MATC
Primary Medical Reviewer	Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology
Last Updated	August 31, 2007

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: August 31, 2007

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.