Archive · 23 Sep 2026
Why Most Breast Cancers Aren’t Genetic and Who Should Test
Breast cancer can happen for many different reasons.
Having breast cancer does not always mean someone inherited it from their family.
Most women with breast cancer do not have an inherited genetic cause.
Family history can still be important when thinking about risk.
A doctor may look at each person’s individual risk.
Some women may be advised to get genetic testing.
Other women may not need that testing.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month encourages people to learn about prevention, screening and treatment.
Most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have an inherited genetic cause.
Family history and genetics can be linked to breast cancer, but they do not explain every case.
Alberto Montero says understanding individual risk is important.
Genetic testing may be recommended for some women, but not everyone.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month highlights prevention, screening and treatment.
- Who
- Alberto Montero, a medical oncologist and director of the breast cancer programme at Seidman Cancer Center, explains the issue.
- What
- The article explains why most breast cancers are not caused by inherited genetics and why testing may be appropriate for some women.
- When
- During Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
- Where
- The discussion is associated with Seidman Cancer Center.
- Why
- To help people understand individual breast cancer risk and whether genetic testing may be recommended.
- Expert
- Alberto Montero
- Expert’s role
- Medical oncologist and director of the breast cancer programme
- Institution
- Seidman Cancer Center
- Main finding
- Most women diagnosed with breast cancer do not have an inherited genetic cause
- Testing
- Genetic testing may be recommended for some women, but not everyone
- Awareness focus
- Prevention, screening and treatment