Genetic testing

Sorry I haven't been through this, but I did discuss the possibility of genetic testing with my BCN a while ago, my maternal aunt was DX with BC 17yrs ago and now has bone mets., my maternal grandmother, mum and sister all had benign breast lumps removed, my grandmother and grandfather both died from cancer, i was DX with BC aged 43....aptly in my case I do not have a strong enough case for genetic testing, but I also have a daughter and grandaughter along with two sons and do worry about there risk.

karen

Hi Karen, i think if you feel that you have a link to the gene then you should question why you are not being referred, i am not sure if you can self refer or not, anyway, cancerbackup should have its new genetic section up and running soon,(its called OPERA) you can then put all your details in re family members affected and it will give you an idea of if you should be referred, at least when that comes out then if it says you should then you can print off the conclusion and take it to your oncologist or doctor who should take it seriously, if you ring the helpline on here they should be able to give you an idea of when it is going to be here.
Alisonxxx

Hi there , im new to the site. Dad was diagnosed today as having Non small cell Lung Cancer. He is 80 years old and whilst still in shock, diagnosis of cancer is nothing new to my family. My grandmother died of Pancreatic Cancer, my Sister died of Pancreatic Cancer, My other sister had treatment for Cervical Cancer, I have had numerous abnormal smears, which are now thankfully reading normal. My Mother was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma, recieved Chemo and was given the all clear. Only then to go on 6years later to have Secondaries which ravaged all her major organs, and from diagnosis to her passing away the time was 1 week. Now todays diagnosis is the latest in our family, so after all my ramblings is there a Gene test which i can be referred for by my GP. Every day my thoughts turn to who next?

Any replies would be welcome

Thanks Texty_F xx

my mum now has ovarian cancer which has also spread. she had breast cancer about 10 year a go and had to have the breast removed.
i myself have had lumps examined the first they took a biopsy and the results were benign. the second i had a scan which i was told i had cysts. the thing is i wasnt told anything about looking out for changes or what to look for. i dont know if the lumps i still feel are the same ones as before or if i have new ones.
i am also wondering if i should be a candidate for genetic testing.

Joanne, even though i am waiting to hear if i will get tested or not, well, i can only really recommend your talking to your doctor about it, same for you Texty, but if you ring the helpline on here they are very very good and will give you lots of advice on who to turn to to help you to understand the pro's and cons of all of this, please don't be sitting worrying, get that phone out and get dailing.
Karen if your worried about it it might help to talk to your BC nurse and voice your concerns if nothing else it may put your mind at rest, let us know how you all get on xxx
lots of love
Alisonxxxxxxx

hi there yes i know exactly how you feel i waited a long time but have had my bloods done now and they have sent off my DNA to be tested for the brac1 or 2 gen i have to wait till august to get the result i have overian cancer in my family and i have had breast cancer, remember breast cancer is very common and several family members can have it without it being genetic. iT IS REALLY WORRYING I FELT AWFUL AT FIRST LIKE I WAS A GATE KEEPER it is horrible thinking about the knock on effect it has on our families. I try to see it that it will give us more choice with preventative surgery etc and hospitals will have to take notice of our family members and not fobb them off like they did me that makes me feel better. I really hope you do not have the brac 1 or 2 gene as we have been through enough as it is but we have come this far and if positive will get through it all the best of luck take care love gail

hi joanne it must all be very worrying for you i am having my DNAchecked at this moment they believe i am at risk of getting overian cancer i have already had breast cancer. I would go back to your doctor and ask his opion whether you need to be tested it is a shame your mum wasnt. Keep a good eye on your breast write down any changes do not be fobbed off by anyone make sure they know about your mum all cysts need to have a close eye kept on them do not take any chances and do not feel stupid about asking anyone in the health profession for answers. I would be interested to no how old your mother was when she first had breast cancer. I hope you can all stay strong i know how hard it is take care gail

i no how you are feeling i have recently been told that i have brac2 gene, and i also have a daughter of 14 and a son of 16

hi alison i've just joined this site and have read that you have maybe a chance of carrying the braca 1 or braca 2 gene.
i was tested and i carry the braca 2 gene, i wasn't surprised when i got the result's as we have not what you would call a great family history on the cancer front.anyway just to let you know that by knowing i carry the gene i felt in control of what i could do about it.i haven't got any children but i knew i could take control in my life.
since finding out i have the gene i have had preventative surgery and reconstruction also my ovaries removed. although i will be glad to see the the end of going to the hospital and am having abit of a dodgy time at the moment i don't regret one thing and find it to be an advantage to know if you carry the gene. my gp told me prevention is better than cure.always remember that, it's what has kept me going all the best marie x