Living with test results

Many people feel anxious at the thought of learning that their risk of a serious disease may be higher than average. In fact, some people decide they would rather not know and choose to forgo testing altogether. That's a valid choice.

It's also common to feel sad, anxious or even angry if your test results are positive. But research shows that, over time, most people cope well with the knowledge of an increased cancer risk and don't experience major 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 process your results and consider what it means for your future. If you're thinking about surgery to reduce your risk of cancer, research and understand all your options. Sometimes it's helpful to seek a second opinion or meet with a breast specialist. An additional perspective can help you weigh the risks and benefits of the available options for your individual situation.

For many people, simply knowing their risk status eases psychological and emotional distress. They can be proactive and make a personalized plan to manage their increased risk.