Preventable Double Mastectomy, How To Make The Choice?

Personal and family history are the major determinants for genetic testing which is the first consideration in making the choice to remove both breasts and reproductive organs to minimize the risk of cancer. Jennifer Klemp, Ph.D, MPH, and a cancer risk genetic counselor says there are many factors to consider when assessing a woman's risk for breast cancer and determining who is a good candidate for testing and many more factors in deciding when to remove a woman's breasts and ovaries.Testing for breast cancer genes (BRCA 1 and 2) is essentially a DNA test (blood or spit that collects cheek cells) to determine if the patient carries a mutation that impacts cancer risk. The test costs just under $4,000 and is covered by most insurance companies as well as Medicaid and Medicare.  Additional tests of family members are $450 per person.  To learn more, click here.