Genetic Testing

You can start a new conversation any time, @Pahill. I  have a referral in to see someone at present. I think first you talk to a genetic counsellor, and they take a really comprehensive history of cancers on both sides of your family, starting with immediate family and working out. From there they can work  out risks, and whether you're eligible for any government funded testing, such as BRCA 1& 2, or not, and where to go from there. @primek, @melclarity, or many others will be able to help more, I'm sure

Hi @Pahill, before I started chemotherapy my oncologist suggested I might like to get tested for BRCA1 & 2 & said I could have it done there & then with a blood test & no charge so I did. She gave me the results 6 weeks later which were negative. I suspect if they were positive then I would have been offered counselling. 

Hi @Pahill I had the genetics test due to my young age. They send you out a questionnaire about your family history which you fill in and send back (basically who had cancer which type what age etc). Then I saw a lovely genetic counselor in the city who went back over the history and and worries I had and a bit about the testing they do. Mainly it’s BRCA1 BRCA2 PALB2 TP53 and ATM. They do a blood sample and send it away takes about 12wks if it’s not urgent. I was negative but they still asked if I wanted to discuss findings with a professor from Peter Mac in Melbourne who comes to Hobart every so often. I did that and he too was lovely. I enrolled in a research study which means that they keep testing my blood if they find anything new and let me know. Hope that helps x

Hi @Pahill I had to go specifically to Familial Cancer Clinic at the Royal Melbourne Hospital, I'm surprised @Glemmis you got it done with the Oncologist? I've never heard of that before? I know it was a series of questions to fill in and then you have a meeting with the Geneticist. They take a blood sample and send it away. Its really super easy no big deal at all. I'm sure they just check for BRCA Gene or for more money there may be other mutations they can I can't remember, but it definitely wasnt a general cancer screen. x

Hi @melclarity, my first app with her was at a major public hospital before I had my chemo in the private system. She offered the test & I literally just walked down the hall & filled in a form & then had the blood taken & it was free. I had a young cousin who died of BC 30 years ago & I think she became alarmed when I told her!

I was referred to a genetic specialist and had to fill in an extensive history of siblings, parents and their history. It took some time as I am 1 of 10. My Dad was 1 of 9....and many many people gene positive. The idea of the pre counselling is discussing risks beforehand... otherwise getting the result is like being hit with a cancer diagnosis. My family had a known positive gene...but they were in Scotland so the team were able to contact them beforehand so they knew where on the gene it was faulty. By doing the tree also means as further positive people turn up we have a clearer picture if it is a genetic bc.
I believe they often do offer very young tnbc ladies testing. The thing is ...it is more tban just brac1 and 2 that cause bc. It can be from at least another 3 other gene mutations. That's why best handled by the experts. They also connect  you with appropriate people if needed if positive. Like a onco-gynacologist. I had already made the decision for further surgery if I was positive. However as I wasn't, it wasn't necessary. Some faulty genes only cause bc but not ovarian...which is helpful information to know.  My siblings with yhe same father were all tested to see if we carried the faulty Scottish gene. Fortunately none of us did...which was a huge relief. 

@Glemmis oh Wow! honestly have never heard of it being so easily accessible. Gee I had to get a referral and then was out of pocket nearly $1,000. Crazy!!! especially when I had my Mum who had BC and I had it twice??!!! but I still had to pay!! :/

@melclarity It's a draconian points system  :#

@melclarity They now offer it free to any breast cancer patient under 35 years 

@JoeyLiz I don't know what it's called!