Breast cancer genetics?!
Question: My mom asked me if I would like to find out if I carried the Breast Cancer gene and at first I was thinking well yeah it would be get to know so that my doctor knows to look for it, but then the other side of me was like no, you'll just worry about it to much. It does run in my family on my mom's side me great grandmother my grandanmother my great aunt and my aunt, and my grandmother on my dad's side had it too. Am I at great risk for it and should I find out if I care that gene?
Answers: My mom asked me if I would like to find out if I carried the Breast Cancer gene and at first I was thinking well yeah it would be get to know so that my doctor knows to look for it, but then the other side of me was like no, you'll just worry about it to much. It does run in my family on my mom's side me great grandmother my grandanmother my great aunt and my aunt, and my grandmother on my dad's side had it too. Am I at great risk for it and should I find out if I care that gene?
You didn't state how old your relatives were when they developed breast cancer. Believe it or not, getting older increases the chance of getting it. But if they were younger than 50 at the time of diagnosis, it may be genetic. If a relative has been tested for the BRCA1and BRCA2 gene there is a posibility you have the gene also. YOU don't actually have to be tested, but can base some of your decisions on the results of a relative who has been diagnosed. If none of them carry the gene, chances are you don't either. For example, I am the only person in my family to have breast cancer, but I am requesting the tests so I can let my family members know. This gene also increases the chance of ovarian cancer and prostate cancer in men. If I am positive for the mutations hopefully by knowing my family will be pro-active with their health.
I believe in most, if not all, states, if you are tested and are positive it is illegal to deny insurance based on the fact that you MIGHT get a disease... this is not a pre-existing condition.
I've included a couple links with information. But what I would suggest is with your family history that you are viligant with your breast self exams, if you are not yet 35 (the standard age for one) tell your doctor about your family history and request a baseline mammogram. If they use the diagnosis code for 'family history of breast cancer' and not 'routine mammogram' it should be covered by insurance before the age of 35. Good Luck to you
You have the great risk. cancers are hereditary you know. especially that you are a woman. the most prevalent cancer in woman is breast cancer. your risk is even higher. i suggest that you have some life style modification. and have a Breast self examination, and check your doctor very often.
Personally, I wouldn't do it. You could be risking your insurability. For example, your insurance carrier may not cover treatment for breast cancer should it happen, because it's a pre-existing condition. (If you test positive, I mean.)
And you may be denied life insurance because of it. Call me paranoid, but any information on your medical record can and will be used against you.
I hope this gives you more perspective. (I have decided to not be tested, and I am at risk for it.)
hmm. i think its better if you go get a check up. at least it wont get worst if its there. or just a regular check up each time to get yourself updated about your health. So when detected, they can act fast. Its better that way. Take care =]
If you have any living relative who have already had breast cancer, they should be the ones to be tested for the gene mutation, it won't affect their insurability because they have already had it. If they do have the mutation then getting tested might be ok so that you are aware and can take a more proactive stance in your healthcare. Breast cancer also runs in my family. I had it 4 years ago and was tested for the mutation but do not have it. The test, if your insurance won't pay for it can run over $1,000 dollars.
Only 5 - 10% of breast cancer cases are due to hereditary factors; even with the number of people in your family who have had breast cancer, it is entirely possible that their cancers were all random rather than genetic.
You don't say whether any of them have been found to have one of the BCRA genes, or whether your mother has been tested.
If your mother is tested and found to have the faulty gene, then yes, you should seriously consider being tested. If she is found not to carry it, there is no point in you being tested.
Excellent answer from tweaksmom