Understanding inherited breast cancer risk in young Black women
https://www.facingourrisk.org/XRAY/inherited-breast-cancer-risk-young-black-women
Full article: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC13244119/
This study looked at genetic testing for Black women diagnosed with breast cancer at age 50 or younger. The study found that about 15% of young Black women had an inherited mutation in a known breast cancer gene, most commonly BRCA1, BRCA2, or PALB2. These findings highlight the importance of genetic counseling and testing in guiding treatment and family risk assessment. (posted 7/13/2026)
Questions To Ask Your Health Care Provider
- Do I meet current guidelines for genetic testing based on my age at diagnosis, tumor type, ancestry or family history?
- If I had testing for a limited number of genes (e.g., testing for BRCA1 or BRCA2 only), should I consider multigene panel testing?
- How can I access genetic counseling and testing if cost, insurance coverage, transportation or availability are barriers?
- If I have a mutation in BRCA1, BRCA2, PALB2, or another gene linked to a higher risk of cancer,
- how could it affect my treatment, screening or follow-up care?
- should my relatives consider genetic testing?
About FORCE
FORCE is a national nonprofit organization, established in 1999. Our mission is to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by adult hereditary cancers.