QuestionA family member has recently been diagnosed with this gene and the rest of the family have been informed. What advice would you give regarding being tested for this gene. Maternal g/mother, mother, sister( all dec) and brother all had breast cancer.
Although I have read the pros and cons some of us are undecided what is best.
AnswerDear Gail, This is definately a difficult decision for you and the rest of your family to make.... Knowing that you have this gene (positive genetic test) can alter your entire life, cause depression, emothional problem, cause you to have preventive mastetomies etc... However, it can also be good in making you very much aware of your breast changes, make the doctors do more thorough breast imaging, and check for ovarian cancer which most doctors do not due, and also force you do decide if you want to have children and the possibilities of passing it on to them etc....
I am not in your shoes, but if I were, I would definately have the genetic testing for myself, children etc...
Here is a web site that you may or may not have read:
www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/BRCA
thank you, karen
