Special Report: Breast Cancer Test

Just the word "cancer" frightens all of us - - but what if there was a test you could take to find out if you were more of a risk.

"It’s definitely a double edged sword."

"If you know ahead a time if your pre-disposed to it I guess you could pay more attention to it."

Well, there is one that does just that.

Dr. Anne-Renee Hartman, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
"There are two known genes and they are BRCA 1 and 2 and they stand for breast cancer susceptibility 1 and 2."

It’s those two genes that doctors are most interested in.

Dr. Anne-Renee Hartman, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
"We know that mutations in either one of these two genes can occur a very high risk of developing breast and or ovarian cancer in a women's life time."

Dr. Anne-Renee Hartman of Dana-Farbar Cancer Institute in Boston says the blood test is not right for everyone.

Dr. Anne-Renee Hartman, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
"We don’t want to test everybody, generic testing is appropriate for families that have a family history of early onset breast or ovarian cancer."

She cautions, even if you have the mutated gene - - it doesn't mean you will get cancer.

Dr. Anne-Renee Hartman, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
"We like to quote the patient is that the average lifetime risk is 45% to 85%"

Many oppose genetic testing fearing unnecessary panic - - but Dr. Hartman says if used properly the test may be a lifesaver.

Dr. Anne-Renee Hartman, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
"By uncovering this mutation we're actually going to help prevent or try to detect cancer they are going to get early and I think that’s a very powerful thing."

If you would like more information on the BRCA test: