BRCA testing looks for abnormal changes in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. A positive test result means you have a higher-than-average risk of developing breast, ovarian and other cancers. Knowing you have a BRCA gene mutation also means you can take steps to lower your risk and help prevent cancer.

A positive test result means that you have a mutation in one of the breast cancer genes, BRCA1 or BRCA2, and therefore a much higher risk of developing breast cancer or ovarian cancer compared with someone who doesn't have the mutation. But a positive result doesn't mean you're certain to develop cancer.

A positive test result indicates that a person has inherited a known harmful variant in BRCA1 or BRCA2 (these are typically called “pathogenic” or “likely pathogenic” variants on laboratory test reports) and has an increased risk of developing certain cancers. However, a positive test result cannot tell whether or when the tested individual will develop cancer.