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Risks having the BRCA (Gene) test



There's really no medical risk associated with being tested for a BRCA gene mutation. Rather, risks are tied to the emotional, financial, medical and social implications of your test results.
If you test positive for a BRCA gene mutation, you may face:
  • Feelings of anxiety, anger, sadness or depression
  • Concerns over possible insurance discrimination
  • Strained family relationships over learning of a familial genetic mutation
  • Difficult decisions about preventive measures that have long-term consequences
  • Feelings of "inevitability" that you'll get cancer
On the other hand, if you test negative for a BRCA mutation or your results aren't clear-cut, you may experience:
  • Uncertainty and concern that your result may not be a true negative result
  • "Survivor guilt" if your family has a known gene mutation that may affect your loved ones
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