Hereditary Cancer and Genetic Testing > Genetic Testing Guidelines > Testing Guidelines > Breast > Guidelines for Testing
Genetic testing for people who have been diagnosed with breast cancer
Up to 10% of people diagnosed with breast cancer have an that caused their cancer. There are national guidelines that outline who should consider genetic counseling and testing for an linked to cancer.
Experts recommend that people diagnosed with breast cancer who have any of the following should speak to an expert about genetic testing:
A person diagnosed with breast cancer, who has any of the following:
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OR
A person diagnosed with breast cancer at age 51 or older, who has any of the following:
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Also see our section Genetic Testing for People Who Have Never Been Diagnosed with Cancer for additional guideline information. This is not a complete list of hereditary cancers. A genetics expert can help you learn if the cancer in your family is hereditary.
The following resources can help you locate a genetics expert near you or via telehealth.
Finding genetics experts
- The National Society of Genetic Counselor website has a search tool for finding a genetic counselor by specialty and location or via telehealth.
- InformedDNA is a network of board-certified genetic counselors providing this service by telephone. They can also help you find a qualified expert in your area for face-to-face genetic counseling if that is your preference.
- Gene-Screen is a third party genetic counseling group that can help educate, support and order testing for patients and their families.
- JScreen is a national program based out of Emory University that provides low-cost at-home genetic counseling and testing with financial assistance available.
- Grey Genetics provides access to genetic counselors who offer genetic counseling by telephone.
- The Genetic Support Foundation offers genetic counseling with board-certified genetic counselors.
Related experts
Genetics clinics
- The American College of Medical Genetics website has a tool to find genetics clinics by location and specialty.
Other ways to find experts
- Register for the FORCE Message Boards and post on the Find a Specialist board to connect with other people who share your situation.
- The National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer centers have genetic counselors who specialize in cancer.
- FORCE's toll-free helpline at: 866-288-RISK, ext. 704 will connect you with a volunteer board-certified genetic counselor who can help you find a genetics expert near you.
updated: 07/21/2023
The following organizations offer peer support services for people with, or at high risk for breast cancer:
- FORCE peer support:
- Our Message Boards allow people to connect with others who share their situation. Once you register, you can post on the Diagnosed With Cancer board to connect with other people who have been diagnosed.
- Our Peer Navigation Program will match you with a volunteer who shares your mutation and situation.
- Connect online with our Private Facebook Group.
- Join our virtual and in-person support meetings.
- Other organizations that offer breast cancer support:
updated: 11/29/2022