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Each woman's breast cancer has several genetic signatures that help predict her risk - and help pinpoint the most effective treatments.

I think I learned about this first while watching an episode of "Everwood" seriously, I did. It may have been the only show I watched but it interested me. Well now more studies and stats are being published regarding these genetic ID tags.

Breast cancers with the same clinical features have very different genetic profiles. These "gene expression signatures" can be used to predict an individual woman's risk of a bad outcome - and to identify treatments most likely to help individual patients.

So if you know breast cancer runs in your family, is it safe and beneficial to have a test done?

Well, genetic testing can cost thousands of dollars. Your health insurance may not cover the cost. So even though this test should be covered and shouldn't cost so much, I know I wouldn't have it done unless there was an extremely STRONG line of cancer in my family history.

The test itself is simple. It involves taking a small sample of your blood and sending it to a special lab. But the results-whether positive or negative-could have a big effect on your life.

The opportunity is out there. The choice is yours. God bless.

Labels: breast cancer, genetic testing