Saving...

I have a family history of breast cancer, should I be tested for BRCA1 and BRCA2?

Cancel

Topics (Tags):

BRCA-1 Genetic Tests BRCA-2 Genes Family History Of Breast Cancer

Topics:

BRCA-1 X Genetic Tests X BRCA-2 X Genes X Family History Of Breast Cancer X

Done

Diseases:

Done

Answer Summary

Cancel

Answers (1)

member4039 (Survivor (5 - 10 years)) - 11 / 23 / 2011

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

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

Cancel

Note: Usernames have been made anonymous and profile images are not shown to protect the privacy of our members.

Note: All content on this site is informational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with questions regarding your health.

Flag Content

Please expain why you are flagging this content. Thank you.

Cancel

Thank you for flagging this content. We will look into it right away.

Give a 'Thank you' to

Cancel

Add Answer

Question:

Optional: What context or background information is relevant to this request?

Notes:
The more clear and thorough your request, the more likely you will receive support.
Many of our members are learning from this information or english might not be their first language. Please use standard english and spell out all words. For example, use 'you' instead of 'u'.

Submit

Thank you for sharing your question.

We will notify other members of your question. Responses will be sent to your email account as well as viewable at the following link:

We are finding other members now to join the chat.

Click here to start the chat.

Cancer questions and answers.

Personalized, helpful, and accurate health answers.

Join Via Facebook

Join Via Twitter

Question Statistics

Latest Activity: 11 / 23 / 2011
Views: 271
Followed By: 3 members