Testing Daughters

AnnC2019

My daughter is 29. Should I have her get a mammogram because I have breast cancer? I don't have the BRCA gene.

Happy New Year

MelissaDallas

I think a loose rule of thumb is begin screening at ten years younger than mom was at diagnosis, but I would ask my doctor. Mammograms are of limited value on very young women because of breast densityThere are a lot of genes that increase breast cancer risk besides BRCA too.

BevJen

My daughter is 32. I was originally diagnosed at 51. Her gynecologist was familiar with my history and had her get her first baseline mammo at her age. I do not have the BRCA gene either, but something caused this. He wants her watched.

exbrnxgrl

I agree with MelissaDallas. I have two daughters (younger is 29) so this question came up when dx’ed. Also, as Melissa pointed out we now have tests for many more genes than BRCA 1 & 2. I had the Ambry panel and it tested for 30 some odd genes. Check with your genetic counselor to see if additional testing would be beneficial.

MinusTwo

I had dense, fibrocystic breasts. Even though my family had no history of breast cancer, I had my first baseline mammo ordered by my OB/Gyn at 30. That was in the early 70s and I still have the "pictures" - like a blue line photo on slick paper. Anyway - I agree that a baseline for the files is never unreasonable if you can get your doc to place the order.

AnnC2019

Thanks everyone. I will talk to my daughter about this

msphil

hello I was diagnosed at 42 which was young back then after diagnosis was told my sisters should now get mammograms. There was no one had breast cancer in my family so they have been getting mammograms since then. I was diagnosed while preparing for our 2nd marriages my fiance was amazing now my husband of 25 yrs now and Praise God I'm also a 25yr Survivor.Hope Positive thoughts got me thru with family faith. msphil idc stage2 0/3 nodes 3mo chemo before and after Lmast got married then 7wks rads and 5th on Tamoxifen.

godisone

if the doctor recommends the same then there should be no qualms about getting regular mammographs to identify and record any changes in the breast tissue at the earliest. It is said that regular mammographs can detect breast cancer tumors as early as three years before they could be diagnosed. thus, its a good idea( if the doctor says so.