Freaking myself out

Adenandellesmama

hello all I got genetic testing done and uploaded my info into promethease. It said I had very slight increased risk in certain BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. I'm just really scared and want to know if I should be worried. It's rs16942 a;g/ rs179950 a;g/ rs 144848 g;t / rs1799966 a;g. Does this mean I have BRCA mutation. I'm so confused and freaked I'm a mother to two small children and it just really made me scared.

Moderators

Hi Adenandellesmama,

Welcome to the Forums, we're really glad you found us.

Results can be hard to understand especially if the results are not so clear. Others should be along soon to offer some of their own experiences with this kind of testing. In the meantime, try not to worry too much until you know more about what it all means (though easier said then done)

We're here to support you.

Wishing you well,

The Mods.

MTwoman

Adenandellesmama, where did you have your genetic testing done? Typically, a genetic counselor should explain your results to you and what they mean to your personal risk profile. I would schedule an additional consultation if you are left with questions. That being said, the fact that your results stated "very slight increased risk" means just that, very slight. So you should talk to your medical provider about what type of monitoring schedule corresponds to your specific increased risk (do they recommend increased monitoring? do you have dense breast tissue that would equate to using different imaging methods like 3d or mri?). I am sorry that I can't be more specific, but I am not a genetic counselor. Perhaps if you post your question in the "increased risk for bc" forum, you'll find someone else who has info about BRCA1&2 mutations that confer "slight" increases in bc. Good luck!

Adenandellesmama

I got it from 23 and me and use Promethease to interpret.

MTwoman

You really need a professional to correctly interpret genetic results and to explain to you exactly how they affect your personal health risk. You may want to talk to your medical doctor (PCP or ob/gyn) about why you felt that you needed genetic testing (family history, known family genetic mutation etc) and whether you qualify to actually meet with a genetic counselor. This area of specialty is rapidly changing and you need an expert to help you understand the implications.

etnasgrl

23 and me, in my opinion, would not be an accurate way to determine if you are BRCA positive, or if you have a risk of being positive. 
The only way to know for sure would be to see a medical professional, who can order real genetic testing for you. Once that is complete, you can sit down with a genetic counselor to discuss the results.

MTwoman

I agree with etnasgrl, there have been lots of info in the press recently about the results of 23 and me (and others like them). A set of well-known triplets got testing done (to find out their ancestry) and they each got different results! On their website, 23 and me indicates that "These carrier reports are not intended to tell you anything about your risk for developing a disease in the future"