This book defines issues facing previvors and survivors of breast and ovarian cancer. Including information about genetic counseling and testing, preventive surgery, and fertility and family planning, as well as explanations of health insurance coverage and laws protecting genetic privacy, this title tackles the challenges of living in a high-risk body.;pt. I. Understanding cancer, genetics, and risk. Breast and ovarian cancer basics ; A peek inside : your genes at work ; Defining risk ; Hereditary cancer : what's swimming in your gene pool? -- pt. ll. Assessing your risk. Genetic counseling ; Genetic testing : facing your hereditary horoscope ; Decoding your test results -- pt. Ill. Managing your risk : your DNA doesn't have to be your destiny. Early detection strategies ; Chemoprevention ; Mastectomy tor risk reduction and treatment ; Reconstruction : new breasts after mastectomy ; Oophorectomy and other risk-reducing gynecologic surgeries ; Dealing with menopause and quality-of-life issues -- pt. IV. Living with BRCA : issues and answers. Managing lifestyle choices ; Sharing information with friends, family, and coworkers ; Young and at high risk ; How BRCA affects men ; Diagnosis : hereditary cancer ; Putting the pieces together to make difficult decisions.