Breast of the Breast 30 Facts About Women and Breast Cancer We All Should Know Photo 6

9. Ashkenazi Jewish Women at Risk
These women have a higher risk of having BRCA mutation. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends that Ashkenazi Jewish women test for BRCA mutations if they have a first-degree relative with breast or ovarian cancer or two second-degree relatives on the same side of the family with breast or ovarian cancer.

10. Genetic Screenings are Not Performed Often
Only about 2 percent of women meet the guidelines for genetic screening, a study of a person’s DNA in order to identify genetic differences or susceptibility to particular diseases or abnormalities.

11. Low Numbers of BRCA Mutation in General.
The good news is that fewer than 1 percent of the general population have a BRCA mutation.