21 with a positive Braca1 mutation...

bracca1positive

At 21 i have been told i have the Braca1 mutation after watching my mum go through stage 4 breast cancer once and then 2 reoccurrences i am terrified and am thinking about a prevention masectomy... I just need thoughts or peoples experiences etc... to help me figure this out, its all bit much.

Moderators

Hi bracca, and welcome to Breastcancer.org! You came to the right place for information, and personal experiences on breast health and breast cancer.

Preventive mastectomy is a tough decision to make, there are many factors to consider when deciding on a risk-reduction strategy like this so, besides getting support and advice from members here, we encourage you to talk to a specialist about all this. Check out this complete article on Prophylactic Mastectomy on our main site too, it may help.

Best wishes,

The Mods

ml143333

I am sorry to hear about your mutation and about your mom. No one can make that call for you, but I would research here and talk with your physician about the what ifs.

BarredOwl

Hi bracca1positive:

You didn't provide much information above. May I ask who told you that you have "the Braca1 mutation"?

Did you receive a complete copy of your test results from a test performed on a blood sample or saliva sample provided by you to your test provider?

Did you meet with a Genetic Counselor to discuss your test results?

I ask these questions because of your reference to "the Braca1 mutation". There is no single BRCA1 mutation. There are many different types of "changes" possible in the BRCA1 gene, including single-base substitutions, deletions, insertions, and gene rearrangements. Different variants can have quite different impacts. Some would not warrant prophylactic surgery.

BarredOwl