Negative

A negative test result indicates that that person has //probably// does not have a mutated gene. Though this may come as a relief, a negative test doesn't mean that person will not have cancer. The test only looks for mutations at the BRCA1 and 2 genes, not any of the other thousands of genes in a human genome. Thus, genetic testing only tests for a "true negative," an absence of the mutation found in family members. Another mutation in the BRCA1/2 could be present and not detected. In the case of a "true negative," the impacts of genetic testing are largely psychological. Negative test results may cause "survivors-guilt," as most who decide upon genetic testing have lost loved ones to breast cancer. Even with a negative result, the face the one has undergone genetic testing means that there was probably a strong indication of cancer in the patient. Therefore, a patient should still undergo surveillance and annual mammograms. Options for patients who test negative include testing for different mutations within the BRCA1/2 gene, and genetic testing for other genes that may cause cancer.