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Dr. Kathy J. Helzlsouer, Director, Prevention & Research Center at Mercy.

Dr. Kathy J. Helzlsouer, Director, Prevention & Research Center at Mercy, discusses BRAC Gene Testing for Breast Cancer

To view the full story story online, including the interview with Dr. Kathy J. Helzlsouer, Director, Prevention and Research Center at Mercy, visit this link: http://yourtotalhealth.ivillage.com/does-breast-cancer-run-in-your-family.html

Does Breast Cancer Run in Your Family?
Genetic testing can determine if you’re at high risk

By: Cynthia Ramnarace

Bonnie Beaver’s OB/GYN suggested she consider genetic testing to see if she was at a high risk for breast cancer after her sister was diagnosed with it at age 29. “I said, ‘Why would I ever want to know if I had a better chance of getting cancer?’” says Bonnie, of Brooklyn Park, MN, “I did not want to know.”

Two years ago, a lump in Bonnie's breast turned out to be cancerous. Again, genetic testing was suggested. If Bonnie was positive for a genetic mutation on the breast cancer genes BRCA1 or BRCA2, the chances of the cancer returning would be high, and that would determine the course of her treatment....