Breast Cancer Support Group

Hi, Leanne. If you are interested in knowing your risk, you can be tested for the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. If you carry either, your risk is higher but it does not necessarily mean you will develop it. Also, people without either gene also develop breast cancer. If you are keeping up with your regular checkups, that's probably all you would be advised to do if you tested positive any way (but they may perhaps suggest you come in more often.) On the other hand, if you would consider a prophylactic double mastectomy given your family history, perhaps you would prefer to be tested. Best of luck.

Leanne, I just read your profile. I did not realize you had already dealt with ovarian cancer. This plus your family history makes it much more likely that you carry a BRCA gene. I know BRCA2 increases risk of breast and ovarian cancers. My mother died of ovarian cancer and I got breast cancer so I got tested. I am BRCA2 positive and so I will be removing my ovaries to avoid possible trouble in the future.

yes i agree with nova. bc runs in my family as well. my twin had the braca however we found out that i did not! we are faturnal twins. anyhow i had a cousin who died an aunt who survived and my twin is five years out. they still prob at me like i never had the gene test but i feel more confort after getting it done.

I had a very strong family history of breast and ovarian cancer. I had cancer 5 years ago, but it was not any of the genetically related cancers. I was tested last year and it came back positive. While going through my options of what to do and having a ton of test run, they found a mass is my left breast. I chose to have both breasts removed and am having reconstruction. My surgery was May 18th and im currently going through the expansion process which is not alot of fun, but i have to think of the end results.
If you're very concerned about this and have a strong family history as well as having had one of the types of cancer that are genetic, you may want to talk to your doctor about having the test.

I agree with the ladies that you should go to your doctor and discuss your testing options. Having had cancer before and a family history, they will probably cover the BRCA testing. I was considered not to have a significant family history because I have a cousin but no direct parent, grandoparent, aunt, etc. They covered my testing because I did have triple negative breast cancer (it is an expensive test that not all insurances cover, I was told). I tested negative for the gene, but I already had the cancer and Ihad a mastectomy last year. I start reconstructive surgery July 16th.

This is obviously worrying you, which is not good for your health in general. Discuss this with your doctor and see if you can get peace of mind. Keep in mind that, shoud the worst happen and you develop breast cancer, if they watch you and catch it early, you will have an excellent prognosis for treatment and a full recovery.

Be well.

- Diane

I agree with Nova too. My Mom died of breast cancer and now I have it. My Mom was never tested for the BRCA 1 & 2 gene. I was, and I was negative, but I still got breast cancer. I think getting tested is very proactive in your situation. I had my regular mammograms, but my cancer is a type that does not show on mammograms. I feel I should have been more aggressive with my screening. My doctors never did any different for me because of my family history. If you are able to be more aggressive in your screening (meaning have the genetic testing) you will not prevent yourself from getting breast cancer, but you may find it sooner. Best of luck to you, Chris