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Genetic testing for breast cancer: Psychological and social impact

Variant or unknown test results

In some instances, testing identifies gene changes that haven't been seen in prior families with breast cancer, and there isn't enough information about the gene changes to know whether they cause an increased risk of cancer. This is known as a variant of uncertain significance.

Learning that you have a genetic variant of unknown significance may lead to:

  • Confusion and anxiety about your cancer risk
  • Frustration over the lack of accurate individualized cancer risk information
  • Challenges with making cancer screening, treatment and prevention decisions