BRACA Breast Cancer Gene Analysis

if u had a history of breast cancer in your family would you want to find out if you carried this gene?? my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 30 and got ovarian cancer also and died at 40. i get mammo's, MRI and breast sonograms every year. if your results were positive, would you get a double mastectomy with reconstruction?? i am thinking about getting this test done but don't know how i would feel if it came out positive.

thoughts??

Re: BRACA Breast Cancer Gene Analysis

One of my sorority sisters was on the show The Doctors recently with her story. She lost her mother to ovarian cancer when she was 16 (mother was 39.) She decided to take the BRCA test and tested positive. Last year she choice to have a partial hysterectomy and double masectomy. It ended up that she had State 0 breast cancer which never would have been found until it was much worse. She's healthy, happy, and thrilled she made these decisions. She is a big advocate for the test.

Re: BRACA Breast Cancer Gene Analysis

I would want to know, for the sake of my children.

We have a very long history of Breast Cancer in my family, and after two incidents of Breast Cancer, my mother decided to have the test done. Thank all the powers that be that she testes negative, but now, as someones mother, I would want to know so that I could make the decision that would allow me to hold my grandchildren.

Re: BRACA Breast Cancer Gene Analysis

Just because you have the gene does not mean they will be expressed in the future. I have some concerns about being "flagged" as having a gene in my medical records. With the cost of healthcare rising...I would be afraid of this eventually becoming a preexisting condition as a way for insurance companies to "opt" you out of health insurance.

I think extra vigiliance with screening is a good measure. I was offered the genetic screening and never went.

Re: BRACA Breast Cancer Gene Analysis

Re: BRACA Breast Cancer Gene Analysis

My cousin went to college with a girl who had this test done. Her results came out positive and b/c almost every woman in her mom's side of the family was diagnosed with breast cancer at some point, she went ahead at age 19 and had a double mastectomy and than reconstructive surgery.

To be honest, I thought it was a little insane to do this at 19. Such a young age. But I also can't imagine what her family has been through.

Re: BRACA Breast Cancer Gene Analysis

I also have history of B C in my family . My aunt(my dad's sister )died from it and she got it when she was 29 and died at the age of 52. If I found out I carry the gene I think I would consider double mastectomy with reconstruction.

Message edited 10/18/2008 3:41:46 PM.