- A biotech company in Iceland says its new genetic test can let a woman know her risk for the most common kinds of breast cancer, but critics are warning women to think twice before taking the test. Decode Genetics of Iceland says a blood test or cheek swab reveals a woman's genetic predisposition for breast cancer. Before the new test, the company says the only tests available were for rare cancer genes.

Elizabeth Marcotte is a firm believer in taking control of your health. As a co-owner of a meal assembly business, Marcotte learned at the age of 33 that she had the BRCA1 cancer gene. As a result, she immediately had surgery to remove both her breasts and ovaries. And she now thinks a test that determines a woman's risk for more common kinds of breast cancer is a good idea.

"I think it's so important for people to know everything they can about what's coming," said Marcotte. 

Many women agree and say they are eager to get tested.

"I would want to know and do whatever I need to do to prevent it; to cure it," said NE resident Ann Hamilton.

"If I would know ahead of time that I would be at risk for something, I would probably be on the lookout for it a little bit more," said Jennifer Lambert, an Oakton resident.

"I'm a breast cancer survivor so I would welcome that for my daughters," said Annandale resident Theresa Cizmar.

Dr. Claudine Isaacs heads Georgetown's Cancer Assessment and Risk Evaluation Program and says while the test has promise, more studies are needed; therefore, she is advising her patients to hold off.

Isaacs is worried the test could lull women into a false sense of security, causing them to skip mammograms, self-exams or even scare women unnecessarily.

"Because when that test result comes back across my desk, I don't really know what to tell the woman sitting across from me," said Dr. Isaac. 

The CEO of Decode Genetics, however, says, "The test has been has been better validate than probably any tests currently on the market today."

Elizabeth Marcotte maintains that if the test is reliable, women should get it.

"If you want to be around for your kids, you have to be able to take matters into your own hands," Marcotte said.

The test costs about $1,600 and is not yet covered by insurance companies. Any doctor can order the test and results are available in about three weeks.