Understanding Decision Making Processes for Undergoing Genetic
Testing Among Women With Newly Diagnosed Breast Cancer Genes are
the "blueprints" for our bodies. Some people are born with an
abnormal copy ("mutation") of a gene. These people may have a
higher chance of getting a disease. Different mutations in
different genes cause different diseases. Some women get breast
cancer because they are born with an abnormal copy of a gene
called BRCA1 or BRCA2. These women also have a higher chance of
getting ovary cancer. Women with breast cancer and an abnormal
copy of BRCA1 or BRCA2 also have a higher chance of getting a
second breast cancer in their other breast. Because of this,
women who might have a mutation may have genetic testing soon
after their breast cancer diagnosis to learn about their risks
of getting another cancer. Genetic testing may be done right
after a woman has been diagnosed with breast cancer. It may also
be done later, after surgery is done to treat the cancer. The
investigators do not know