Genetic testing

Hi Mary, after having a DCIS in December 2013 at age 48, I too had genetic testing as another level of screening in October 2014. I had no real family history, my mothers half sister died of breast cancer in her 70's but she was only half related, and my cousin on my father's side died from ovarian cancer, other than that there was nothing else. Like you, I had the genetic counselling and my geneticist thought the chances of me having the gene was fairly unlikely given the family history. In my mind, I wanted to do everything that was within my power to try to prevent the cancer returning so I had the test. Surprisingly, I actually tested positive to the BRCA2 gene. My breast surgeon, Dr Jenny Gough at the Wesley in Brisbane, had already advised me to have my ovaries removed in April 2014, and now with the positive BRCA2 test, she felt that a bilateral mastectomy with TRAM flap reconstruction would be the best option for me. She left it up to me, but I took her advice and she referred me on to Dr Eddie Cheng, my plastic surgeon also at the Wesley. In fact, as I write to you, I am sitting in my hospital chair, one week post op and doing very well. My pathology from my removed breasts came back with atypical change in both breasts which, if left  unattended, would eventually have turned into cancer, so I am very glad I made the decision I did and now I can hopefully look forward to a long life breast cancer free. Ultimately, the decision to have the test is yours, but from my own personal experience, it was well worth it, even if there's only a hint of cancer in your family. I wish you all the very best, please feel free to contact me should you ever need to. Kind regards, Louise