Who has to test for BRCA Gene
Hi ladies I'm 34 and got diagnosed with stage 2 IDC (clear margins lumpectomy, no lymph nodes involved). I've never been asked about testing for the BRCA gene. I have no family history of any time of...
Forum Discussion
@Pinkcloverss I didn't qualify for the free testing because no immediate family link. I went to a genetic specialist after all my treatments were finished just for my own peace of mind. He tested 30 genes for 5-6 common cancers with a saliva test. The test was around $400. I came back all clear which is about 80% of cases. However, for my health management going forward, I wanted to know e.g. if the gene for colon cancer came back positive, then I would arrange a colonoscopy every 12 months. If I'd had BRCA genes, then I would have had to give serious consideration to a preventative mastectomy.
The other part of this puzzle is what you do with the information when you have it. The specialist advised me that if I tested positive and told my sister or other close relative about this, then if they seek to get income protection insurance or the like, that they may be bound to disclose this information. It may affect their ability to get different types of insurance. If they don't disclose it and they are affected by cancer, then the insurance company may not pay because it *may* be classed as a pre-existing condition. I don't know all the legalities around this.
This type of situation is apparently becoming more common in the USA but I don't know how many Australian insurance providers are starting to do this as well.
I just advise caution in regards to giving out results.
The other part of this puzzle is what you do with the information when you have it. The specialist advised me that if I tested positive and told my sister or other close relative about this, then if they seek to get income protection insurance or the like, that they may be bound to disclose this information. It may affect their ability to get different types of insurance. If they don't disclose it and they are affected by cancer, then the insurance company may not pay because it *may* be classed as a pre-existing condition. I don't know all the legalities around this.
This type of situation is apparently becoming more common in the USA but I don't know how many Australian insurance providers are starting to do this as well.
I just advise caution in regards to giving out results.