Genetic testing helps South Florida women face breast cancer head on

When it comes to breast cancer , sometimes the biggest advantage is simply knowing your risk.

Genetic testing can give women that head start and for two South Florida survivors, those results helped them face a devastating diagnosis head-on.

Cancer is a six-letter word that sparks fear for many

In 2025, roughly two million people in the United States are expected to be diagnosed with some form of the disease.

For Marie Montelongo, her story began with her mother. "At age 73, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, and she passed away at age 79," Montelongo said.

Years later, Montelongo faced breast cancer herself.

"I was very concerned for my daughter and my granddaughter and the future, thinking I might have something that I could pass on to them. So, I asked for the genetic testi