I had it done last June because of the family history for breast and ovarian cancer. Mine came back Neg, but if it were POS I would have to consider removing my remaining breast to help prevent recurrence. I wanted to know because of my own Breast Cancer and because it would help my son and grandaughter to have information that may help them someday. I know of alot of people that don't want to know because of the fear of knowing.

I had it done and it was positive for BRCA2. I'm glad I did it but my story is not pretty as I had a biopsy that wasn't needed (ultrasound showed it wasn't cancer) but they did it anyway and put a clip in my breast which was in part made from nickel and I'm highly allergic to nickel. Anyway my doctor says due to unsanitary conditions mold grew in my breast and now I am totally disabled and until I started treatment for this wishing I was dead. So back to why I'm glad I did it. I get screened all the time and I am taking steps to minimize my risk. Also I found out that women who have the BRCA2 gene mutation have a good prognosis when it comes to curing the cancer. And if the Ovacheck test comes out soon we will have a way to detect ovarian cancer in the earliest stages.

I figure that I'm doomed anyway so I might as well find and try and make some changes in my life. I worry that I will be flagged then if it does come back positive for future insurance companies.

I think it's a possibility as insurance companies are getting away with dropping people left and right. I would support you whatever your decision is. Good luck.

Shelly hi,
There's links to some very good and easy to understand reading on hereditary breast and ovarian cancer on this webpage
http://www.bestcancersites.com/breastgeneticsreading/index.html
The genetics of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer is usually pretty simple but there are various other issues to consider when deciding whether to be tested and I think you'll find reading up on the topic really helpful.

i had stage 3 BC. mastectomy and lymph nodes removed. the surgeon highly recomended me for that test becaise i am the 3rd generation with bc. it came back negative. i was all prepared to have a dble mastectomy and hysterectomy. eded up with just 1 mastect. the worse part was the waiting for results. insurance will pay if you are high risk. good luck and keep us posted.
elaine

First of all its BRAC I and II.
Its just a blood test. Take it. Good luck. I had breast ca and i don't have the BRAC gene so who knows. lol

Actually it is BRCA according to cancer center where I am getting it done at. And for me it is a whole lot more than a little blood test. If it comes back positive it will change my life forever.

I believe it's BRCA1 and BRCA2. Looking at my test yep is't BRCA2. Anyway Melkas it certainly changed my life. I agree it's not something you should take lightly.

I had it done this year because I have had both breast and ovarian cancer. My daughter wanted to know. It came back negative. Because of that her doctor told her that it wasn't necessary for her to be tested. There can be so many other genetic factors related to cancer. Eat healthy, wholesome foods, live in the grace of God, love well and BIG.

First, I'm so sorry to hear about your mom and her family.

Go to www.facingourrisk.org for support from other young women deciding whether to have this test or not. The decision may be difficult, but the information could save your life.

Please make sure you are talking with a health care provider that has training in cancer genetics.

If any of your relative's (those who have had breast or ovarian cancer) are still living they should be tested first.

If there is no local cancer genetic expert, you can talk to one by telephone too. Go to www.informeddna.com for details.

Best wishes!

HLS - thanks for the response! My mom actually got tested recently and got her results back, which were positive. My 1st cousin with breast cancer also tested positve. We are working with a oncologist and cancer genetic specialists in our area. I have learned so much! I have decided to do the testing but I am going to do it anonymously. They will assign me a number and I will pay for it in cash, since there are currently no laws that protect me if it does come back positive. Thanks again for your response and for the links!

That's great! Since they know the mutation in your family, you'll get definite information about your own risks. It's a 50/50 chance. Negative = you have the same risk as most women in the general population. Positive = high risk and tough decisions.

I'll be hoping that you test negative!!!

If you feel comfortable sharing, I'd love to know how it turns out for you.

GOOD LUCK!