ABSTRACT
Prior to the widespread availability of BRCA1 and BRCA2 (BRCA1=2) testing, researchers and clinicians identified a number of potential benefits and risks in receiving
test results (1-3). Key benefits included reassurance for individuals testing negative and
opportunities for risk reduction among those testing positive. Risks included the potential
for adverse psychosocial outcomes among carriers, false reassurance for noncarriers,
family conflict, and insurance discrimination (2-5).
