Cancer Gene Testing

[Deed]

Denise, Karen and any one else......

Have any of you gone through or know someone who has gone through gene testing for cancer? Can you tell me all you know about it? Pros and Cons?

My oncologist wants me to do this. My sis Sandra already has and hers came back negative.

For those that don't know what I am talking about:

Is there a test for hereditary breast cancer?
Hereditary breast cancer is suspected when there is a strong family history of breast cancer: occurrences of the disease in at least three first or second-degree relatives (sisters, mothers, aunts). Currently the only tests available are DNA tests to determine whether an individual in such a high-risk family has a genetic mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.

When someone with a family history of breast cancer has been tested and found to have an altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, the family is said to have a "known mutation." Positive test results only provide information about the risk of developing breast cancer. The test cannot tell a person whether or when cancer might develop. Many, but not all, women and some men who inherit an altered gene will develop breast cancer. Both men and women who inherit an altered gene, whether or not they develop cancer themselves, can pass the alteration on to their sons and daughters.

But even if the test is negative, the individual may still have a predisposition to hereditary breast cancer. Currently available technique can't identify all cancer-predisposing mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Or, an individual may have inherited a mutation caused by other genes. And, because most cases of breast cancer are not hereditary, individuals may develop breast cancer whether or not a genetic mutation is present.

You can read more about it here: BreastCenter.com

[sunshine]

I've not had it, but a friend of mine did, after two of her sisters had breast cancer. Hers was positive. She started on tamoxifen right away.

Pros-- advance warning of possible problems, a reminder to check on things frequently, early prevention with medications

Cons- loads of worry when test is positive, false sense of security when test is negative, soem insurances will drop you or raise your rates if they discover you have an inheirited gene disorder.

[Admin]

Deed, I am sorry that you have to choose whether or not to have this test. Please know I care and am here to talk if you want. Even though I don't have any breast cancer in my family, we have other forms of cancer and I know I would have a difficult choice to make if someone offered me that type of testing.

[ellise]

Oh my, (((Deed))) My Sister told me about this and has suggested I do it. Since Mother had it and we lost an Aunt to BC and we have other types of cancer in our family history I know I need to have it done. I'm just to chicken to do it.