Living with test results

Most people would be anxious if given the chance to find out whether their risk of a serious disease was higher than average. In fact, you may decide that you'd rather not know, and just forgo testing altogether. That's a valid choice.

It's also common to experience sadness, anxiety or even anger if your test results are positive. However, research shows that, in the long run, most people cope well with the knowledge of an increased cancer risk and don't experience significant distress over the test results.

If you test positive for a gene that increases your risk of breast cancer, know that you have time to come to terms with your results and consider what it means for your future. If you're thinking about surgery to reduce your risk of cancer, take your time to research and understand all your options. Sometimes it's helpful to seek a second opinion or meet with a breast specialist who can help you weigh the risks and benefits of the available options based on your individual situation.

For many, simply knowing their risk status eases psychological and emotional distress. They can be proactive and establish a personalized plan to deal with their increased risk.