I want a double M
So I've only just been diagnosed, haven't seen a surgeon yet, but was told I'd probably be offered a single mastectomy. Thing is, I want a double. For more than one reason. I don't want to have to wo...
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Hi Kaye, Thank you for your reply. I assumed I would have a choice too but Breastscreen QLD said that to get a double without cancer in the second breast, I'd need to get a positive gene test. I tried to get one done this morning with a GP referral to pathology, but the pathologist said that even though I clearly meet the medicare criteria for a free test (2 cancers with the first before 50yrs - I have 3 separate cancers) they need a specialist referral. Apparently Breastscreen QLD used to do these referrals but now don't. So I'll ask for a referral on monday when I have my initial consultation with a surgeon. The issue with this is that apparently the gene tests can take a long time to do. Not really sure but I was trying to make sure I had the gene test results back before surgery so that I don't have 2 separate operations (assuming a positive test result) for efficiency and to minimise recovery time. I was told it costs about $900 to get the gene test done without a specialist referral.
Otherwise apparently we have to pay to get the second one removed. There was an article on ABC news recently that mentions this: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-08-18/going-flat-after-breast-cancer-perspective/105627758 The lady interviewed for this article paid to have her second breast removed.
Of course if money was no object, I wouldn't be having these issues and could just choose what happens to my body.
Info on gene testing is here: https://www.bcna.org.au/resources/screening-and-diagnosis/family-history-and-genetics/genetic-testing-for-breast-cancer-risk/
this includes the full medicare criteria:
- breast cancer diagnosis before the age of 40
- diagnosis of breast cancer in both breasts ('bilateral') or 2 breast cancers, with first cancer first diagnosed before the age of 50.
- diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer diagnosed before the age of 60.
- diagnosis at any age of male breast cancer.
- the presence of a faulty BRCA1 or BRCA2 would make you eligible for Olaparib (targeted therapy).
On this page it also says the test costs around $400. I think this info may be out of date.