developing breast cancer, as well as a higher risk of ovarian cancer. (National Action Plan on Breast Cancer, 1996).Genetic testing benefits both sporadic and hereditary cases. The test only identifies weather the gene is present in the persons genetic makeup, not if it is hereditary. The gene can be present in any woman. Environmental things such as radiation and chemicals that a woman can come in contact with can cause the mutation in her genetic make up. (Understanding Gene Testing).Finding out that a gene mutation is present does not mean that a woman will develop the cancer. Women who test positive for the BRCA1 mutation gene have an eighty percent chance of developing the cancer. The risk is high, but not definite. People who test negative for the BRCA1 mutation still have a risk of developing the cancer. Although, a negative response to the test will give a woman a sense of relief, she should still be checked regularly. A negative result may also lower the amount of checkups and tests that are required for families with a higher risk of developing the cancer.If a woman does not contain the genetic mutations, a woman can still develop breast cancer. Out of 180,000 cases annually, ninety four percent are not linked to being hereditary and are considered sporadic. Even if you contain the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation you have an eighty five percent chance of having breast cancer. This gives women a fifteen percent chance to hope that she does not develop breast cancer.Genetic mutation testing has become another easy way for women to detect breast cancer early. A woman will never truly know if she will definitely develop breast cancer. Test such as genetic mutation testing will definitely help in early detection and prevention against spreading....
