Question about Genetic Testing

MsRukia

The doc who did my biopsy has referred me to a specialist for genetic testing. What can I expect with this? Because my mom has ovarian cancer she thought it would be a good idea.

Moderators

Hi MsRukia, and welcome!

While you wait for the ever-helpful advice and experience from others here, you may want to check out the main Breastcancer.org site's section on Genetic Testing, which explains the ins and outs of this type of screening, including what to expect and advice on what to do with the results.

We hope this helps!

--The Mods

gb2115

They will ask you a ton of questions about family history of cancer, then discuss the risks/benefits of genetic testing. Then if you agree, they'll draw a vial of blood. It took me about 2 weeks to hear about results.

MsRukia

Thanks for the reply. I’m mulling it over. I did leave a message with the genetic counselor that the doctor referred me to

Dm39

Hello. I have done about 4 genetic tests. They were recommended by my physicians. They are very expensive. In the end. The tests that see if you carry the gene in my opinion are worthless. I have a strong family history of cancer and my testing came back negative and I still had cancer. You can have the gene and never get cancer. Or you can not have the gene and still have cancer. The other tests I had were the oncotype dx and mamaprint to determine the nature of the tumors. This helps you decide if chemotherapy will be helpful based on your chance of recurrence. Again it is just a measure. The last two tests are helpful because it shows the nature of tumors to see exactly what you are dealing with. Also, if you are low chance of recurrence then they usually will tell you to forgo chemotherapy. My mamaprint came out high risk. So chemotherapy is recommended. I googled the accuracy of the test and it said 90% accuracy if it says low recurrence rate by only 25% accurate if it says high risk. So again, it is a guide.

Denise-G

My sister and I found genetic testing and seeing a genetic counselor extremely helpful. We both have the Chek2 mutation.

We were the first breast cancers in my dad's family which had A LOT of cancer!

Our large university hospital has been a wealth of information for us and they have helped us tremendously with what

tests to have to make sure we don't have other cancers. I highly recommend it! On the other hand, our local hospital had

never even heard of that genetic mutation. That was scary!

Good luck!

MsRukia

Thank you ladies for your input it is greatly appreciated. I did put in a call to the doc I was referred to and so far have not had a call back. I’ll keep you all posted

Yself

I was given a genetic test and was told my breast cancer was not genetic. I just laughed. I've had it twice, my sister had it twice and died after she lost an eye and it went to her brain, a 1st cousin died of it. I think I counted 11 on my father's side who died of several kinds of cancers. I think genetic testing is in its infancy. My father died of lung cancer and had it on both sides of his family. Everyone of his siblings lost one or two children with cancer except for his sister who died of cancer.