Why Is This Test Being Done ?

SnoopyLovesKittie

Girlfriend was diagnosed with breast cancer back in July of this year. This week, she it to get generic testing done for BRCA1/BRCA2.  We cannot have children so there is no threat if she is postive and of passing this generic mutation.  Why are they still doing this test ? 

She has no family history for breast cancer.  If she comes back positive, does this mean her Mom is at risk of having gene mutation ?

SpecialK

Click on this link for a BCO explanation of why genetic testing is done, who should have it, and what the results mean.  If there is no significant family history and no children insurance may not pay for this expensive testing.  Has your girlfriend already had breast surgery?  Positive results from BRCA testing can sometimes inform surgical choices, such as lumpectomy vs. mastectomy, and additionally removing ovaries to reduce risk.

http://www.breastcancer.org/symptoms/testing/genetic

SnoopyLovesKittie

Thanks for the link.  Insurance OKed the test and surgery has not been done yet but the BS 1st recommendation is a MX which I am not convinced of yet.  So from what I  read at the link, if she has the test and comes back positive then this could show a risk of getting breast cancer again in the other breast.  I know  this can also indicate the risk of other future cancer not just breast cancer.  So we will wait for the results and use this as a more piece of info as far as whether a MX or BMX should be done or other treatment.  Of course I still want a 2nd opinion before seeing the BS again.