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emrod11's avatar
emrod11
Member
11 years ago

European Jewish ancestry & breast cancer

Saw a genetic counsellor today, found out that my maternal european jewish ancestors (from generations ago) may have something to do with my breast cancer. Apparently, they are called the Ashkenazi Jews and are more prone to a defect in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.  If they carry this defect, the risk of breast cancer is alot higher. 

So, I had 2 blood tests which take about 6-8 weeks to process.  If I have the defective gene, then my sister can be tested too.  And my daughters when they are old enough.

Here I was thinking that maybe I was inheriting something from my paternal side as my grandmother passed away from secondary breast cancer.  Never, ever thought it would be from the maternal!

2 Replies

  • emrod11's avatar
    emrod11
    Member
    11 years ago

    Same to you! I found it all rather fascinating-I knew I had Jewish ancestry, but to find out there is a particular group that is prone to mutations in the BRCA1/2 genes! I wish I could find out whether any of my ancestors had breast cancer, but I think medical records would be pretty non-exsistent!

  • tiffanybarbra's avatar
    tiffanybarbra
    Member
    11 years ago

    Hi Em

    Yes, me too. I am 29 and was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer in November last year - it came as a complete shock given my age & no family history of breast cancer.

    I met with the genetics counsellor last week & they were very interested in my maternal grandmother who is an Ashkenazi Jew - her lineage is Polish/Russian. I'll find out my results in a few months (apparently there is a big back log of testing). The geneticist did say that there is still only a 1 in 5 chance of having the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene but he still thought it was worth investigating & it might give me some answers :)

    All the best, I hope you receive some positive news xx