Genetic vs family history

TXrunnerchic
TXrunnerchic Member Posts: 27
edited February 2015 in High Risk for Breast Cancer

hi ladies !!

Looking for any input yall might have.

I'm awaiting biopsy results. Had a biopsy last year for microcalcificstions which were deemed fibrocystic. This year same area showed recurrence (?)

Anyway last year I underwent genetic testing and am 'negative' BUT my mother (x2), cousin (mothers niece), great grandmother (mother grsndmother in her dads side) and great aunt (mothers fathers sister) all had premenopausal breast cancers. (My moms father had stomach and/or colon cancer). Mom's brother had bladder concert and a couple of leukemia in that side too.

What info is out there regarding family history beyond genetic testing? Not sure exactly what I'm asking. I realize I shouldn't be speculating. I guess in my gut, although the genetic test says 'negative' , I can't help but think there is 'something' in the family given the high number I cancers. I also realize that the genetic test currently available is limited to only 2 (?) genes.

I guess I'm looking for any info ... Should my biopsy NOTbe benign, so that I can make educated informed decisions and justify aggressive decisions.

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  • wrenn
    wrenn Member Posts: 2,707
    edited February 2015

    Do you mean you had a recurrence of fibrocystic micro-calcifications? If so I think they just keep an eye on it. I am not sure about the hereditary vs genetic thing. Hopefully someone comes along with some answers for you.

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  • TXrunnerchic
    TXrunnerchic Member Posts: 27
    edited February 2015

    The microcalcificstiond recurred. Still pending this years biopsy results. In my untrained eye, the area is larger and more clustered. That doesn't necessarily mean anything lol....the mind will play all kinds of crazy games while 'waiting'

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  • LaurenElizabeth
    LaurenElizabeth Member Posts: 4
    edited February 2015

    It is my understanding that you have a 50/50 chance of inheriting a BRCA deletion from a parent. That does not mean that a negative result clears you as they are still discovering genetic risks. It seems to me that the closest family member still living that has cancer is the one to test. As they most likely have the culprit in their genetic make-up.

    It is assumed my mother and grandmother were BRCA 2 positive based on their BC/OC deaths. My niece tested negative, however.

    Regardless of your status, it is wise to be followed closely by a specialist working with a good radiologist, one who sees a lot of these cases.

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  • LaurenElizabeth
    LaurenElizabeth Member Posts: 4
    edited February 2015

    So you've been tested? I'm confused. Have you had genetic counseling? My genetic counselor wanted my mom, who had OC at the time, to be tested. I couldn't get her to do so before she passed. She felt it would hurt the insurance standing of her children. I tested positive for BRCA 2 when she passed and after her only sibling, a brother, died of Prostate Cancer.

    It is my understanding that you have a 50/50 chance of inheriting a BRCA deletion from a parent. That does not mean that a negative result clears you as they are still discovering genetic risks. It seems to me that the closest family member still living that has cancer is the one to test. As they most likely have the culprit in their genetic make-up. It allows other family members to test for only that deletion, making testing considerably less expensive.

    It is assumed my mother and grandmother were BRCA 2 positive based on their BC/OC deaths. My niece tested negative, however.

    Regardless of your status, it is wise to be followed closely by a specialist working with a good radiologist, one who sees a lot of these cases.

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  • besa
    besa Member Posts: 1,088
    edited February 2015

    There are now way more than two genes. There are numerous other genes besides the BRCA gene mutations that are known to be associated with breast cancer (and other cancers). And for sure there- are additional genes that will be found in the future. As others have said - if possible a family member dealing with a bc diagnosis will be tested first. If they find a genetic mutation they can then test other family members knowing exactly what gene to look for. If a person with bc tests negative for gene mutations it doesn't necessarily meant that no breast cancer gene mutation is present. It just means that the specific gene mutations tested for are not present.

    (Right now Ambry (one of the companies that does genetic testing looking for genes associated with breast cancer) tests for about 17 gene mutations in their "breastnext" panel).

    http://www.ambrygen.com/tests/breastnext

    Have you seen a genetic counselor? They generally can give you more information and guidance in terms of genetic testing and looking into family history than other doctors.

    A good source of information about genetics and breast cancer is:

    Www.facingourrisk.org

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