Hello, I have maybe a stupid question but it is in my mind and it drives me crazy to think about it and think about it. I was diagnosed with breast cancer last year in Juli. My mum was diagnosed 3 years ago, but with a different type. Is it likely genetic because we had both breast cancer or unlikely as we had different types ? Don't know if I can explain it right .... any suggestions ? Thanks Micha

@stemi, that's awesome news Congratulations. Xx

Hi, ask your doctor/breast cancer specialist to refer you to a genetic clinic. I've just been assessed - found to have low risk even though I have a maternal grandmother and aunt who have both had breast cancer. A genetic clinic will take all your family history (including any other cancers) and put all the data into their models that spits out a few numbers on your expected risk given today's technology. If you are deemed to be at some risk, then you are offered genetic testing and counselling. Sorry that might not be much help. I wouldn't jump to the conclusion it is genetic as you mentioned your BCs are different. My understanding is that it would be more likely if you were triple negative. But best to get proper advice on this. Cheers, Anne

Best to get the gene test to confirm. My gene test was invaluable knowledge and helped me decide on surgery. I was diagnosed with triple negative BC as well as the BRCA gene. Found out the gene was actually from my Dad's side , and since his siblings were male (and never had breast or prostate cancer), it was a complete shock. My sister doesn't have the gene, so it can be like a lucky dip. goodluck xo

Hi Micha, Only about 5% of breast cancer is genetic so chances are slim that it is genetic, but it is worth speaking to you doctor or oncologist especially if you and your mum were both young when you were diagnosed. They will put you in touch with the genetic counsellor who will look at your family history and then determine if you are eligible for free testing (public, and some States have atrocious wait times) or you can pay between $3500-$5000 (out of pocket) to have it done privately. If it just you and your mum diagnosed chances are you won't qualify for the free testing. I was 41 and my mum 42 and that was not enough of a link, my genetic counsellor pushed for more family information (they normally just go to granparents) - my BC was pretty much the same as my mum's even in a similar location in the same breast. Turns our my great aunt also being diagnosed late 40's was the clincher for testing and in my case it came back BRCA2+ve. Yet on my husbands side they have 4 generations of women diagnosed in their 30's and 40's and it came back negative so you really don't know. It is also a case of be careful how much information you wish for, from a medical and preventative point of view I am grateful but I also miss the ignorance. There was a big cost finding out, both financially and emotionally, the knowledge of the mutation also meant going through multiple surgeries; a double mastectomy and reconstruction, full hysterectomy with ovaries and tubes. I have to look at my 11 and 14 year old daughters knowing there is a 50% chance they are going to have to plan their lives around the possibility that they may need to have their ovaries removed by the time they are 40 and consider prophylactic mastectomies at some point as well. I have had to put all of my aunts, uncles and cousins through the agony of deciding how much they want to know and whether they want testing - they will test the older generation first, so they would do your mother before you. My mum's sister came back -ve and my uncles have been avoiding it. My younger cousins have been told to organise life insurance now before they have to consider testing as BRCA+ve is considered a pre existing condition and insurance companies treat you like you have cancer even if you don't ever develop it. There is so much more to BRCA+ve to consider and once you've opened the box you can't put everything back inside again. If it something that really bothers you then go for it, but if it just a curiosity then I would personally advise treating it like one of lifes mysteries. Good luck, Jen

If it's bothering you, get it checked out. It's only a blood test and a six week wait for results away. :)

Genetic testing .... | BCNA Online Network

primek
Member
8 years ago
A faulty gene doesn't alwaya mean you will have breast cancer nor does it dictate what type of breast cancer. What it means is if you have a mutation in breast cells your body is less likely to deal with it. A referral to a genetic specialist will map history and determine risk and if appropriate will test.

So something you can do is start looking at family tree and see if your grandmothers , great aunts etc also had bc. I had a really strong history but it turns out I didn't carry that family faulty gene. Just really unlucky.

Carrying the gene doesn't alter your breast cancer treatment today but it may alter choices on future surgical options.
socoda
Member
8 years ago
@stemi, that's awesome news
Congratulations. Xx
stemi
Member
8 years ago
Just a little Update on this post.
I ended up doing the genetic testing and it came back negative - big relief :)
OMG
Member
9 years ago
Hi Jen!

that was really helpful! As I am triple negative, they told me it was highly likely to be in the family, but I am the only cancer member. Was advised about getting the test..but after your information, think I will leave it. Thanks for sharing! Lisa
stemi
Member
9 years ago
Hello everybody,

thank you for all your replies.

I will have an appointment in a genetic clinic for a talk. After that I will decide about the test.

My radiation oncologist told me that the type of cancer I had are unlikely genetic, so we will see ...

Thanks again.

Michaela
maryroset1
Member
9 years ago
I have a real strong family history my mum and most females on her side of the family effected. Surprisingly tested negative to 4 common genes.

Maryrose
PaulaN
Member
9 years ago
I wanted the brca test done. All my family is male but they wouldn't do it
InkPetal
Member
9 years ago
I just wanted to add that it's worth getting anyway. I'm waiting on the results myself.

Finding out that it is genetic means your chances of developing ovarian cancer are also quite high and you may want to opt for preemptive surgery.
InkPetal
Member
9 years ago
If it's bothering you, get it checked out. It's only a blood test and a six week wait for results away. :)
jaycia02
Member
9 years ago
Hi Micha,

Only about 5% of breast cancer is genetic so chances are slim that it is genetic, but it is worth speaking to you doctor or oncologist especially if you and your mum were both young when you were diagnosed. They will put you in touch with the genetic counsellor who will look at your family history and then determine if you are eligible for free testing (public, and some States have atrocious wait times) or you can pay between $3500-$5000 (out of pocket) to have it done privately. If it just you and your mum diagnosed chances are you won't qualify for the free testing. I was 41 and my mum 42 and that was not enough of a link, my genetic counsellor pushed for more family information (they normally just go to granparents) - my BC was pretty much the same as my mum's even in a similar location in the same breast. Turns our my great aunt also being diagnosed late 40's was the clincher for testing and in my case it came back BRCA2+ve. Yet on my husbands side they have 4 generations of women diagnosed in their 30's and 40's and it came back negative so you really don't know.

It is also a case of be careful how much information you wish for, from a medical and preventative point of view I am grateful but I also miss the ignorance. There was a big cost finding out, both financially and emotionally, the knowledge of the mutation also meant going through multiple surgeries; a double mastectomy and reconstruction, full hysterectomy with ovaries and tubes. I have to look at my 11 and 14 year old daughters knowing there is a 50% chance they are going to have to plan their lives around the possibility that they may need to have their ovaries removed by the time they are 40 and consider prophylactic mastectomies at some point as well. I have had to put all of my aunts, uncles and cousins through the agony of deciding how much they want to know and whether they want testing - they will test the older generation first, so they would do your mother before you. My mum's sister came back -ve and my uncles have been avoiding it. My younger cousins have been told to organise life insurance now before they have to consider testing as BRCA+ve is considered a pre existing condition and insurance companies treat you like you have cancer even if you don't ever develop it. There is so much more to BRCA+ve to consider and once you've opened the box you can't put everything back inside again. If it something that really bothers you then go for it, but if it just a curiosity then I would personally advise treating it like one of lifes mysteries. Good luck, Jen