About 5% to 10% of breast cancers are thought to be hereditary, caused by abnormal genes passed from parent to child.

Most inherited cases of breast cancer are associated with two abnormal genes: BRCA1 and BRCA2; however, there are other genes associated with breast cancer risk. Getting tested for the mutations of these genes is a very personal and private decision women must make with their doctors. They can then decide with their physicians what to do with that information. 

Listen in as Susan Miesfeldt, MD discusses The Genetics of Breast Cancer.