"It's important to understand that getting the genetic test result is only a piece of the puzzle. It really takes a professional who understands genetics to help work with individual women and men to allow them to understand exactly what that piece of information means to them in terms of their risk, their loved ones' risks and what can then be done to help lower that risk," Pearlman says.

For women who do test positive for a mutation, Pearlman's clinic helps them decide what to do about it. Options include getting mammograms at a younger age or more frequently, using breast MRI, taking medication to reduce risk, or making lifestyle changes. Women who are done child bearing typically have their ovaries removed, and women may also choose to have their breasts removed to limit their risk.

Doctors recommend genetic testing for those who have: High numbers of family members with cancer diagnoses throughout several generations, either maternal or paternal Family member diagnosed with cancer before age 50 Family members who have been diagnosed with multiple cancers (for example, breast and ovarian) Male breast cancers, or clusters of other cancers such as colon, prostate, stomach or pancreatic

Breast cancer statistics: 194,280 Americans will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year and 40,610 will die from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society

Ovarian cancer statistics: 21,550 Americans will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year and 14,600 will die from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society

Source: University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center