Login required to started new threads

Login required to post replies

BRCA genetic testing, should I do it?
Quote | Reply
I have a pretty strong family history of breast cancer (mom and maternal grandmother) plus I'm late 30's with no kids which I think is also a strike against me in the cancer game. My mom called last night and wants to know if I want to go to see a genetic counselor and possibly get the BRCA testing done if the said counselor recommends it. I really don't want to. I guess I don't see the point because if I do test postive, what then? It seems like I would instantly have a black cloud hanging over my head. I've been getting annual mammograms since my mom was diagnosed 5 years ago.

Has anyone had this done and can offer some insight/advice? I guess I'd like to see it from a different perspective as to why I should get it done and then what to do if I do have "the cancer gene."
Quote Reply
Re: BRCA genetic testing, should I do it? [QRgirl] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
things to consider.

if you have it, then what? what kind of life is it knowing you have the gene for breast cancer?

what about insurance? can you be excluded later on, given the companies will know this information? it could be likely they will avoid insuring you.

preventative life. it sounds like you're doing all you can now to live the best life you can. that's all you can do. in your heart of hearts it sounds like you don't want to be tested--don't let your mother talk you into something you don't want to do. remember, it's your life, make your own choices.

FWIW, i have thought about it for myself, but am deciding against it for the reasons mentioned...my vote is be true to your desires, this is all that matters.
Last edited by: kittycat: Mar 12, 08 12:09
Quote Reply
Re: BRCA genetic testing, should I do it? [QRgirl] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Funny, when I was in the waiting room for my last mammogram, there on the TV was a show about three women (sisters) whose mother had breast cancer and who all tested positive for the gene...and all three had double mastectomies on the same day. Obviously if you have the gene, that is one option you might consider.

Personally, if I had a strong family history of breast cancer, I would want to know if I had the gene so I could better understand my risk factors. Not knowing would be a black cloud over my head considering I'd live in fear at my annual mammograms or regular self exams. Just because you take good care of yourself does not mean you can overcome genetics if you have the gene.

Also, regarding insurance, it is illegal for insurance companies to deny coverage based on results of genetic testing. There have been several excellent articles in the mainstream media regarding BRCA, genetic testing, insurance coverage, etc.

The genetic testing is not done in a vacuum either; part of the procedure is extensive discussions with a qualified genetic counselor who can lay out all possible options for you, and you can then decide what, if anything, to do.

I would give it some more thought, and hopefully some other women on the forum, particularly those who have had testing, will have further advice.

BrokenSpoke
Quote Reply
Re: BRCA genetic testing, should I do it? [QRgirl] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
Testing for BRCA is a quite an undertaking and is certainly not done casually. First, most health insurance policies don't pay for it and it can cost several thousand dollars. Second, the emotional and psychological stress that goes with the anticipation then the knowing of the results is significant. Most of my patients that I have recommended for BRCA testing have had more than one primary relative (mother, sister, daughter) with breast cancer (oftentimes pre-menopausal in onset) and a family history of ovarian and/or colon cancer. For patients who carry the BRCA gene, some have opted for prophylactic bilateral mastectomy while others become more vigilant with mammogram screening. I think the real value is in awareness and possible early detection of ovarian and/or colon cancer.
I think it wouldn't be a bad idea to at least see what the genetic counselor has to say. They should really assess your risk for breast cancer and the likelihood of you carrying the BRCA gene. Only 5-10% of all breast cancers are hereditary. The rest are from risks factors that we can't avoid: being a woman/having breasts/ovaries/estrogen and getting older. A quick assessment of your breast cancer risk can be done through the Gail Model: http://www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool/Default.aspx
That same website also has more info about BRCA: http://www.cancer.gov/.../factsheet/Risk/BRCA

Hope that's helpful and good luck!
Quote Reply
Re: BRCA genetic testing, should I do it? [QRgirl] [ In reply to ]
Quote | Reply
In Reply To:
I have a pretty strong family history of breast cancer (mom and maternal grandmother) plus I'm late 30's with no kids which I think is also a strike against me in the cancer game. My mom called last night and wants to know if I want to go to see a genetic counselor and possibly get the BRCA testing done if the said counselor recommends it. I really don't want to. I guess I don't see the point because if I do test postive, what then? It seems like I would instantly have a black cloud hanging over my head. I've been getting annual mammograms since my mom was diagnosed 5 years ago.

Has anyone had this done and can offer some insight/advice? I guess I'd like to see it from a different perspective as to why I should get it done and then what to do if I do have "the cancer gene."
I was surprised to see this topic on a triathlon forum - but have to respond since I've gone through genetic testing for brca and received a positive result as a carrier. Insurance companies, to my understanding, will pay for the testing 100% if you have a family history of breast cancer, especially if one of your family members is a carrier. My view is that we are lucky to have the access to this genetic information, so why avoid gaining information that can affect your future health choices. There are a number of options if you're positive. Feel free to email me (lmwongpan@earthlink.net) and I'll be happy to talk to you about anything I've learned about this subject. Also, look at www.facingourrisk.org - there is some helpful information on that website.
Quote Reply