Breast cancer genetic testing

Common Questions and Answers about Breast cancer genetic testing

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531852 tn?1226026411 My SIL (age 49)was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 years ago- early stage. She was urged to get BRCA testing by her oncologist b/c her grandmother died of BC and her mother is a 2 time survivor. She tested positive for the BRCA2 gene. She went into remission after a lumpectomy and radiation. At her first PET scan (3 months out) they found a mass on her ovaries and now she is battling OVCA Stage IIIC. My DH was tested 2 months ago and he is negative for the gene.
Avatar n tn MY mom passed at 71 yrs old with Breast Cancer that had spread to the bone. My sister was diagnoised with it at age 59 had breast removed. Four years later she got it in her other breast. I am 57 and scared. Is it wise I should have test done? How accurate is the test? Help..
684030 tn?1415612323 and, given my own history of developing abnormal yet non-cancerous growths in my breast, the radiologist’s recommendation was for me to undergo genetic testing. On the other hand, my lifelong family physician questions the value of this approach, “… knowing that [I] will not be having children.” I’m somewhat inclined to agree with my doctor... and forgo testing. However, my mother (whose two sisters died of Breast Cancer) is pushing for it...
Avatar f tn My daughter (39) has been diagnosed with breast cancer and had a mastectomy with all lymph nodes removed on her left side. She is classed as grade 3, Stage 2. Her chemo will start in ten days and radiation to follow. She also had the genetic testing done a few weeks back. The results were given to us Thursday. Does that change her grade and or stage? Will her chemo treatment change? I know she will be having another mastectomy and ovaries removed later.
Avatar m tn previous history of breast cancer, a mass with atypical hyperplasia on biopsy, strong family history or genetic predisposition (e.g. BRCA 1 and 2 genes), prior radiotherapy to the chest, or a five-year risk of invasive breast cancer of at least 1.7% in women 35 years or older, using the modified Gail model for calculating risk (see http://www.cancer.gov/bcrisktool/Default.aspx). There is no blood test available at present which can be reliably used for breast cancer screening.
Avatar n tn t believe that genetic testing is necessarily age specific. What I do know is that family medical history dictates the value and need of such testing. However, I would think that if one were to opt to have it, it would be best to have it at a younger rather than at an older age as its results could impact reproductive choices and timeliness of diagnostic screenings. The recommendation to have it is almost always at a doctor's request.
4756437 tn?1358790419 If not then before any such drastic decision you should have some genetic testing done. Of course the only issue here would be breast feeding and even though that is very desirable, it isn't by any means necessary. Sorry if it seems that I've ask more questions that you but certainly more information would be needed to even guess at a recommendation for this procedure at your age. Regards ....
Avatar f tn Hi Everyone- I am new to this site and am happy to see the support and wonderful people who contribute here. I have a question about genetic testing for breast cancer. I was diagnosed with small cell ovarian cancer in 1995 and things have went extremely well since then. Recently my cousin (on my mother's side) was diagnosed with breast cancer (age 38). My doctors are now suggesting that I get genetically tested for breast cancer.
885049 tn?1277418330 1. the genetic variations associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer 2. the way that heredity contributes to the condition, including the risk of recurrence (occurrence) of cancer 3. ways to cope and adjust to the risk 4. an appropriate course of action in view of cancer risk, family goals and personal views Health professionals who specialize in cancer genetics can be found at the National Cancer Institute website.
Avatar f tn It is just a blood test that shows if you have the gene for breast cancer. Just because you have the gene does not mean that you will definetly get breast cancer. My mother has had BC twice at an early age. I recently found out that I have 3 intramammary lymph nodes that they are watching. The surgeon discussed with me about having genetic counseling. Here is his thoughts on it. If the test comes back positive for the gene what would you want done?
Avatar f tn A cancer genetic counselor can review the benefits and limitations of genetic testing for BRCA1/2 mutations. You can find a cancer genetic counselor at the National Society of Genetic Counselors website or through companies like mine, AccessDNA.
Avatar n tn My mother did the genetic testing the counselor discussed my sisters and I have a very low chance of genetic breast cancer. I have had 2 biopsy and problems with my left breast the 1st biopsy was benign and no further testing but this last biopsy was scary and it seems to be more aggressive. I thought that the word hyperplasia/atypia means precancerous.
Avatar n tn In the mean time, just remember that if your mother had breast cancer, you will not necessarily get breast cancer. The key to self exams and annual mammograms is early detection. Any type of cancer that is diagnosed early gives a better chance for survival and even cure. So keep up with your self exams and get annual mammograms even if you have to pay for them yourself.
Avatar f tn Certain genetic defects or mutations causing breast cancer can also lead to the development of other cancer types. Defects in the BRCA-2 tumor suppressor gene can lead to breast, ovarian, melanoma and pancreatic cancers. A defect in the PTEN tumor suppressor gene on the other hand, results in Cowden's syndrome, characterized by a markedly increased risk of breast and thyroid cancer.
Avatar f tn If there is involvement of both ovaries or a breast cancer history – there are genetic testing available. If your ancestors are Jewish (Ashkenazi Jews), then there is a higher risk. The tests are usually done for Breast Cancer susceptibility genes (labeled as BrCA 1 and 2) – these genetic diseases also confer a risk for ovarian cancer. IF ovarian cancer is the only issue, other things to investigate is your age, menstrual history, number of pregnancies, and estimate the risk.
Avatar f tn ShiningStar10, Your Sister should get the genetic testing done since she has a cancer history. If she comes back BRCA positive then you could get the testing done for about 300 dollars vs the 3000 or so your sister would have to pay (insurance companies fuss about paying this but mine did pay so she should fight for it.) Both my sister and I tested for it and both came back negative though both of us had cancer.
Avatar m tn Some women with with a hx of early BC and/or ovarian cancer in first-degree relatives decide to have the BRCA (BR for breast, CA for cancer) genetic testing because, if found to be positive, besides increasing surveillance, they would consider having prophylactic mastectomy and oophorectomy. This is an aggressive approach, but on the other hand, the BRCA gene vastly increases a woman's cancer risk. Women with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene have a 56% to 84% lifetime risk of breast cancer.
Avatar m tn Because you have a strong family history of breast cancer (mother) you might think about Genetic testing for the BC gene.You could ask your doctor to refer you to a Gene Counselor for this kind of testing. Best wishes and God Bless you too.
Avatar f tn I realize that this is kind of off the subject but, I would like your opinion on genetic testing. I am concerned that it will flag me and my family for health ins. and life ins. There is a question of whether my mother has men or not. There are 9 kids in our family, plus our children. I so far have had a single parathyroid adenoma and small goiter. I do have multiple medical problems that being treated, which include kidney stones. My labs are good except my K+, which is low.
Avatar n tn Knowing if there is a single cause to your diagnoses may help guide your cancer screening and provide you with information about risks for your family members. Genetic testing is available for many hereditary cancer syndromes and you can talk with a genetic counselor about the benefits and limitations of those tests. DNA Direct offers genetic consultation with board-certified genetic counselors over the telephone and offers genetic testing when medically indicated as well.
Avatar n tn You will get cancer. Already 3 cousins 1 aunt and 2 2nd cousins have recently had breast cancer and the procedures to save them from it. Don't forget my mother who as the rest of the family had breast cancer at 33 beat it then about 20 years later had ovarian and now its gone to brain. Something else we don't know or at least i've never been told is if the Brain cancer is related to the ovarian as in cells broke off and traveled or if it's own type of cancer.
Avatar f tn Have you ever thought about being BRCA tested to see if you carry the Breast Cancer gene? My mother and grandmother both died of breast cancer and were carriers. My sister and I were also tested. My sister tested positive and I negative. My sister already had a double masectomy at age 29. It is worth looking into since you have a strong family history. Most insurance companies will pay for it.
419309 tn?1326503291 Because of a strong family history of breast cancer (maternal grandmother and sister both had pre-menopausal breast cancer), she said I should discuss the possibility of MRI and/or genetic cancer counseling with my ob/gyn provider who hasn't gotten in touch with me as yet. With a 4mm lesion, is there any utility to pursing MRI? At what point is biopsy recommended for an 'uncharacterized' lesion?
Avatar n tn does anyone know what BRCA stands for....Breast Cancer....so the genetic mutation they are looking for is for breast cancer but have found that it can also be mutated in OvCa patients...but, this is not the only gene that can cause OvCa to be hereditary, they do not know the other genes yet. They also say that the average age in being diagnosed with the disease is 61 and when it happens younger, there is more of a chance that it is genetic vs random.