Am i at Risk? Help please

SarahAlex

My grandmother died of ovarian cancer 13 years ago and she was perhaps in her mid 50s. Two of my mother's cousin's (from her mother's side) had breast cancer, one is in her mid 40s and the other maybe 50 (but thier mother whose my mother's aunt is maybe 80 and never had cancer) but they do live in a different country and lead a different lifestyle. These are the only breast and ovarian cancer cases in even my extended family, so i was wondering is my mother or me at a high risk of getting it? and is it likely that we have the genes? i am caucasian but not american or european, i am actually persian and we don't have a breast cancer rate as high as americans, so i don't know if race makes a difference to the inheritence factor. I'm 21 years old but i am having sleepless nights thinking that it might be hereditary and the problem is i live in Bahrain and we don't have good councelors or doctors to go to.

Jeansbeans

Hi SarahAlex, I am not qualified to give you an accurate answer, But, If your MOM or any Aunts or Sisters have not had Breast Cancer, You are probably not at high risk, but, It is good that you are so aware of bc. Know your body, do your monthly self breast exams. Have your yearly papsmears with an Gynacologist.  You are so wise for being so young.  Do not worry yourself , As long as you stay proactive and have your yearly Doctors appt's you will be fine. High risk is considered  two first degree relatives, such as mother and sister.  I was high risk, My Mother, Grandmother and Great grandmother all had Breast cancer in their early 50's.  I was diagnosed at 53, just last May, I have had Bilateral Mastectomy with reconstruction{ I am almost done with my reconstruction, YEA!!}  You have found a great forum, always know you can always come here for questions, There are many wonderful women here to help you,  Bless you, Jeanie

SarahAlex

thanx alot for your reply jeanie, i hope u never hear from the cancer again. God Bless.

Suze

Hi Sarah Alex

It's so scary, isn't it? I spent years worrying like crazy because my grandmother died at 40 of bc and then my mother had both breast and ovarian cancer. So I sort of felt next in line. Which, as it turns out, I was. They found LCIS when they removed my breasts last year. 

I would get it checked out by a genetic counsellor, if it was me - your grandmother's ovarian cancer and your mother's cousins breast cancer may or may not be connected. But presuming the breast cancer ladies are the daughters of the sister of the grandmother with the oca (if I am reading that right) then it is probably worth talking to somebody. 

There's a great site called facingourrisk.org where people know quite a bit about all this. Might be worth posting there