question about genetic testing?

jenn-g

In the past few years, I have had a lumpectomy, a hysterectomy, a very, very,recent biopsy....(still waiting for results) and I am always having a lump "being watched" .....I am wondering about the "genetic testing" 

and...since my mother did have breast cancer when she was 38 (breast cancer survivor and my inspiration for everything)  but I also had a 1/2 sister (from my fathers 1st marriage) that had breast cancer as well at the age of 26 and then passed from lymphoma at 26 ......

With this family history, instead of always having these continuous ultrasounds, mammos, and testing on and on. Who do I talk to about the BRCA testing? Is that even the correct test? Is it a readily available test or is this a test that is not widely available? And if I do have that test will that ease the tension and worry that seems to be a constant linger?  I would love to know as much as possible, but I wanted to make sure the information I received was legitimate.So I figured I would ask you...the real experts! And the one thing I have noticed with this forum is....there is a wonderful bunch of women in these discussion groups, they always seem to have the most recent/updated and accurate information. You all seem to be well versed and knowledgeable regarding many issues and I trust your guidance. So, I thank you for any information you may send my way. Or any suggestions you think would be beneficial. thank you again.

Sincerely,

Jenn-g 

JanetinVirginia

Hello Jenn, yes most large regional hospitals and cancer centers have genetic testing departments.  And yes BRCA is the correct test especially if there is a family history (on either your mother or father side) of early-onset breast cancer or ovarian cancer at any age.  You could start by calling the largest hospital in your area or find a national cancer center near you (see link).  It is a simple test and you receive results in about 2 weeks.

http://cancercenters.cancer.gov/cancer_centers/map-cancer-centers.html

here is the link to the FORCE website with a wealth of information -

http://www.facingourrisk.org/

licorice2006

 My husband and I decided to have the BRCA test done to find out if I could be passing this on to our daughter and grand daughter. My oncologist office called my insurance company and also had all the forms I needed. The BRCA lab called explaining how much I would owe after insurance paid. We thought the 1200.00 would be worth the peace of mind or the "heads up". We were set up on a payment plan. My results came back negative. I was advised that I was negative as far as they can test at this time and newer tests in the future could have a different result. But it took alot off my mind.

LISAMG

Jenn,

I think u r being very proactive with your health concerns. Seeking genetic counseling/testing for your Mom would ideally be the best way to determine your risk, especially given the fact she had BC at a very young age. If your mom tested positive, u would then have a 50% chance in carrying the mutation as well. If your mom tests negative, u would also be negative. Its always recommended for the affected family member (s) to test first because other members who may test can receive ambiguious Un-informative negative results....another story for another time, been there & done that myself

allalone

When I was asked at dx about family history, I could only relate my mother's side - no cancer of any sort - and as a result, I think, they did not suggest a BRCA test. Surprised, then, that the father's side IS relevant. Dad died of a heart attack, but because he was orphaned as a child he knew nothing about his family history other than his parents died youngish within years of each other. Can dads be carriers? If so, then maybe I need to pursue this.

badger

Edited to redact a post with personal information.

LISAMG

http://www.myriadtests.com/index.php?page_id=68

Benefits of Testing

BRACAnalysis^® can tell you if you have a mutation in the BRCA 1 or BRCA 2 gene, a common cause for increased rates of breast of ovarian cancer within families. Knowing you have HBOC syndrome can guide decisions and actions that may reduce cancer risk or detect it in an earlier, more treatable stage.

• A positive result allows you to take steps to reduce your risk of hereditary cancer by earlier and more frequent screening, and in some cases hereditary cancer risk may be nearly eliminated through preventive drug treatment or preventive surgery
• A negative result rules out the most common cause of hereditary breast and ovarian cancers
• Healthcare professionals will use the information to guide your plan for medical or surgical treatment
• Results for one family member can help other family members better understand their risks for hereditary cancer

Limitations of Testing

• Testing does not detect all causes of hereditary cancer
• A positive result does not mean that cancer is inevitable, only that you have a signficantly elevated risk over that of the general population
• A negative result is most helpful when there is a known mutation in the family
• A negative result does not mean that you have no risk for developing cancer
• A small fraction of variants are of unknown clinical significance. This means a genetic change was detected, but it is not known if this change is linked to hereditary cancer

Is BRACAnalysis^® Right for Me?

Not everyone is a candidate for genetic testing. Look carefully into your personal and family history for certain factors that are "red flags", or warning signs, of hereditary cancer. If "red flags" are found in your history, you may benefit from BRACAnalysis^® testing. Before the decision to test is made, a doctor, genetic counselor, or other healthcare professional should carefully evaluate your history. Take and print the Red Flag quiz to begin the process.

Look for Red Flags

Complete this brief quiz to learn if you could benefit from BRACAnalysis^®. Consider both your mother's and father's side of the family.

http://www.myriadtests.com/index.php?page_id=44

To find a genetic counselor in your area:

http://www.nsgc.org/

network1

I don't know that there has been a lot of information or research which deals with environmental exposures to a mother and her ability to pass that to the unborn child  and then later during breast feeding.

Testing todate has shown most Breast cancer Clusters to be simply co-incidental- but up todate most of testing protocols have not addressed the real issue of environmental exposures which can be real promoters.

Just recently we have been able to establish that in 10 different breast cancer tissues all not related have tested positive to one and only one Penicillium species(fungi) along with Ochratoxin a fungal chemical. In one of those breast cancers its being shown that the pathogenic fungi was also located in the clients occupied space. Also with one lung tissue biopsy we have shown 2 pathogenic fungi growing in a unit were in actual fact also located in the lung tissue- this person died of Diffused Avelolar Disease- one of the pathogenic fungi was the same Penicillium species which we have found in Cancer Breast Tissue.

Currently we are having developed a fungal DNA probe to be validated in human tissue for this individual Penicillium species.

21/11/2010 The Stanford University utilized a virus to tweak the genetic pathways in human tissue to develop a 3 dimensional cancer and than plate it with further human tissue and see it spontanously mulitiply  replicating what happens in the human body.

There are numerous promoting agents to include bacteria , viruses, fungal toxins,make up chemicals, legal drugs etc which may synergistically be involved in the cancer process.

More on a relevant cancer cluster go to www.toxic-moulds.com

We need the wider medical community and research money to be put to better use and not just providing more reason to develop  more financially rewarding drugs. 

Just a little voice

Vince Neil