Can parents be screened to find out if they carry breast cancer genes?

Yes: A simple blood test is available to check if someone carries the trait responsible for many forms of the hereditary type of breast cancer. The brca test should only be performed on those at high risk, and only after counseling by a specialist in hereditary diseases. In general, if you have two close relatives with breast or ovarian cancer, especially at an early age, you may qualify.

Yes: Testing should generally start with an affected individual first if there is one available and willing. Once a mutation is identified, any first degree relative (particularly mothers, sisters, and daughters but also males) would have a 50% chance of carrying the same mutation and should be offered testing. At this point site specific testing (read: less expensive) testing can be offered.

Yes: They should see a genetic counselor and if appropriate genetic testing can be performed.