Family History Of Breast Cancer

When a woman is diagnosed with cancer, she needs to consider her family’s history of cancer. Some cancers are inherited; however, most are spontaneous. If there is a concern with a family pattern of cancer, then a thorough family history should be taken. Sometimes this leads to formal genetic counseling with blood testing for specific gene mutations. If you have a specific gene mutation putting you at risk for breast or ovarian cancer, then surveillance testing or procedures are different from those with a spontaneous cancer. Therefore, start with telling your oncologist your family history.

This is a very personal reply to a very difficult question. Again, not a doctor but going from my own personal experience with the test.

First of all, the genetics people tend to prefer to test someone who already has a cancer diagnosis. If their test is "clean" then a genetics counselor would probably advise against testing (unnecessary).

Having said that, in my own situation, I was dx'd with an invasive breast cancer in 2006. I was under 50 and my mom was a "survivor" who was also under 50 at dx (of her first BC).

I did counseling and BRCA testing because I had a cancer diagnosis. BOTH of my genes are mutated. They are of "unknown significance" and may be close to be classified as "non cancer causing." When my test came back with mutations, my mom was tested. HER test? NO mutations at all.

If you know there is a mutation in someone who had BC and you choose to have the test, I would suggest absolutely discussing with a genetic counselor. It's important you understand the ramifications of the test results and how they might cause emotional issues, if for example, you tested positive. This is a slippery slope. Some people prefer to NOT know and just continue the recommended screening for their situation. Others (me) need every detail.

Good luck to you.... I have a huge family cluster and no known mutation. My daughter is at a very high risk without the mutation. This is scary stuff.

AnneMarie