The American Cancer Society reports almost 180 thousand women in the United States will be found to have invasive breast cancer this year alone. Many of those women have a family history of breast or even ovarian cancer. A test can be performed locally that can help women determine if they are at more of a risk. A diagnosis of cancer can be devastating. Now a test is helping women take proactive steps to determine their risk for breast or ovarian cancer. It's proving especially helpful for those who have a family history. It's a simple blood test that can give you many answers. If the patient tests positive, a course of action is set into place to help prevent breast or ovarian cancer. Doctors say some women with positive results will even choose to have a mastectomy to reduce the incidence of breast cancer. A negative outcome simply means the patient is at the same risk as the general population of being diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer. The test has proved beneficial in helping patients. And more people could take advantage of it. And it's not just women who can benefit from this information. Taking steps now can help you better prepare for the future and for the future of your family. If you would like more information on the testing. you can call 347-4120. Health officials say most insurances will pay for the test if there is a family history. In some cases, Medicare will also pay.