Breast and Ovarian Cancer (BRCA) Genetic Test
Why would I not be tested?
You may have several reasons not to have the test:
- You may face difficult emotions. You may be afraid and anxious if you test positive. You may feel guilty if you test negative and someone in your family tests positive.
- You are concerned about how the results might affect your relationships. You have to decide if you would tell a family member—a sister or daughter, for example—who then has to decide if he or she wants to have the test.
- Your insurance does not cover the testing, or covers only some of it. Genetic testing can be very expensive (several hundred to several thousand dollars). But most insurance companies will cover the cost of genetic testing for those who meet the conditions for testing.
- You are concerned about how the information might affect your life, disability, or long-term care insurance. The discovery of a genetic disease that is not causing symptoms now (such as breast cancer) should not affect your future ability to gain employment or health insurance coverage. A law in the United States, called the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008 (GINA), protects people who have DNA differences that may affect their health. But this law does not cover life insurance, disability insurance, or long-term care insurance.
- You would not take preventive steps—such as regular exams and tests, taking medicine, or having your breasts or ovaries removed—no matter what the test results are.
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| Author: | Bets Davis, MFA | Last Updated: August 18, 2009 |
| Medical Review: |
Joy Melnikow, MD, MPH - Family Medicine
Douglas A. Stewart, MD - Medical Oncology |
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| Topic Contents | |
| What is a breast and ovarian cancer genetic test? | |
| What do the results mean? | |
| Is testing accurate? | |
| Should I be tested? | |
 | Why would I not be tested? |
| Other Places To Get Help | |
| References | |
| Credits | |