CHEK2 and familial cancer

thanks so much for chiming in, rsk!

Ugh. I am positive for Chek2 and PALB2 (pathway to BRCA2). My genetics counselor estimated my BC risk at 45+%, similar to BRCA2. The Chek2 gene probably triples my chances of getting colorectal cancer or pancreatic cancer. Yay me. There are 32 cancers in my 1st & 2nd gen relatives on both sides of the family. Just in my own family (parents, sibs) there are 5 cancers, including 2 BCs, thyroid, and uterine (that's 3 of the 5 of us kids, plus both parents). My father's mother had 4 different cancers, including breast and colon. Her parents both died of colon cancer. My mother's father died of pancreatic cancer. Her sister had BC at 47 and her aunt had BC at 24~! And this doesn't even count the mesothelioma, melanoma, lymphoma, oral cancer, and lung cancers.

Since my dad is dead and mom does not plan to be tested, we don't know if these gene mutations came down one side of the family or both. The genetics counselor is suspicious that one gene came from each side. ISo far, one sister has tested negative for both mutations, which is great because she also has a grandchild to think of.

I have made up a medical family tree and sent it out to all my sibs, aunts, uncles, and cousins so they can discuss it with their own doctors. If they need copies of my records I will make that available to them.

I have three adult kids. My two oldest are anxious to have genetic testing, especially my 22yo daughter. I just pray she's negative. My youngest is very mentally handicapped and cannot participate in his own care. We will not pursue genetic testing for him, as it would not change the way we care for him.

Warriorlove, The official name of the PALB2 gene is "partner and localizer of BRCA2." Variants in the PALB2 gene are associated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer of magnitude similar to that associated with BRCA2 mutations. The PALB2 gene works with BRCA2 as a tumor suppressor, so when it is mutated, cancer can flourish.

Just chiming in! Positive for Chek2....my mom had breast cancer, all 6 of her brothers had prostate, her dad had prostate, and one of her sisters had breast. I have 2 maternal cousins diagnosed in their 30's with breast cancer and my dad had prostate. So, yeah, I'm doomed genetically!!!

I found out I was chek2 positive in January. Moms adopted so we have no history on that side. So far she's ok but I'm guessing she's positive too. My father had a big family and no cancer.