As the tests get smarter, doctors understand more about the genetic markers that may tip us off to breast cancer risk. In fact, testing for the BRCA genetic mutation has become a common way to figure out risk. Sisters and daughters with a family history of breast cancer are better able to learn about their individual risk.

An ABCNews story notes that some girls as young as four are getting screened for BRCA when families suspect the gene may be present. Awareness can be a good thing, but how young is too young? Knowing about risk early can help women be more vigilant, but can that start too early?

In a conversation on the breast cancer support message board, a wise comment from cl-maggie3333 keeps things in perspective. "I would let her know when she was mature enough to handle it," she writes. If your daughter is old enough to have the conversation, you can "leave it up to her if she wanted to do the testing...She has to decide what she will do with the results before she gets the test."