Genetic testing:

Genetic testing: Genetic tests can be done to look for mutations in the BRCA1 and

BRCA2 genes (or some other genes linked to breast cancer risk). Although testing may be
helpful in some situations, the pros and cons need to be considered carefully. For more
information, see the section, "Can breast cancer be prevented?"
Family history of breast cancer
Breast cancer risk is higher among women whose close blood relatives have this disease.
Having one first-degree relative (mother, sister, or daughter) with breast cancer
approximately doubles a woman's risk. Having 2 first-degree relatives increases her risk
about 3-fold.
The exact risk is not known, but women with a family history of breast cancer in a father
or brother also have an increased risk of breast cancer. Altogether, less than 15% of
women with breast cancer have a family member with this disease. This means that most
(over 85%) women who get breast cancer do not have a family history of this disease.
Personal history of breast cancer
A woman with cancer in one breast has a 3- to 4-fold increased risk of developing a new
cancer in the other breast or in another part of the same breast. This is different from a
recurrence (return) of the first cancer.
Race and ethnicity
Overall, white women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than are African-
American women, but African-American women are more likely to die of this cancer.
However, in women under 45 years of age, breast cancer is more common in African-
American women. Asian, Hispanic, and Native-American women have a lower risk of
developing and dying from breast cancer.