Finding out that you might be at risk for breast cancer is getting easier. The Doctors discuss a test that can reportedly determine your risk for developing breast cancer from the comfort of your own home.
Surgical breast specialist Dr. Kristi Funk explains the test, which looks for the BRCA1 and BRCA12 gene, is simple and only involves submitting a sample of your saliva. She says this type of kit previously cost thousands of dollars, but now is available for only $149 dollars. She says the results of the test are available 3 to 4 weeks after submitting, and users will also receive a free genetic consult.
So who should consider testing themselves?
Dr. Funk recommends that women look at both sides of their family going back 3 generations. She says if your family has 2 or more incidents of breast cancer under the age of 50 or any incidents of ovarian cancer, that you should be tested.
The Doctors note that coordinating your test results with your physician is important.
