Prophylatic Mastectomy Questions

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Sunflower13
Sunflower13 Member Posts: 8
edited June 2014 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

Hello,

 I am a 20 year old in Arizona and I am very interested about being a previvor. I have family history, on both sides, of many types of cancer, including breast, ovarian, uterine, cervical, colon... Just to name a few. Knowing that the process of counseling and actually getting to surgery can take years I started my research about cancer before I even had breast and started research about preventative measures as soon as they were available.

Does anyone know of a good resource here in AZ? I am not too concerned about genetic testing, as many people without BRCA1 or 2 still end up fighting the beast.

Also, anyone on here choose prophylactic surgery without genetic testing? Anyone take preventative measures before having their children?

Thanks so much for any answers!

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  • flash
    flash Member Posts: 1,685
    edited October 2010

    Sunflower- before you do anything, you SHOULD get genetic counseling and testing.  A genetic counselor would sit with you, take your individual family history and then give you good information specific for you.  Testing these days is far beyond just BRCA 1 or 2.  You are right that there are obviously other factors also but right now I would work on the ones over which you have control.  You don't want to do and shouldn't do any prophylactic surgery without informed information as part of your decision process.  All surgery has side effects or risks.  You never do surgery until everything has been examined.  the process of counseling and surgery doesn't take years unless that's an appropriate response for that individual.  You really need to get expert information.  As far as where to get genetic counseling, i would see if there is an NCI institution near you or check with University of Arizona.  Generally, counseling is at the largest medical facilities that are tied to research in some way.  Good luck.

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  • Sunflower13
    Sunflower13 Member Posts: 8
    edited October 2010

    Thanks Flash, I will be sure to find very informed professionals to help me deal with my risk.

    If anyone has gone through genetic counseling and/or preventative treatments and/or surgeries in AZ any information you have for me would be greatly appreciated!

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