3 sisters all have BC, am I next?

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Zina
Zina Member Posts: 3
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed But Worried
3 sisters all have BC, am I next?
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  • Zina
    Zina Member Posts: 3
    edited November 2007

    Hi, I have 3 sisters who all have had BC before menopause.  I am 42 what are my chances?

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  • leaf
    leaf Member Posts: 8,188
    edited November 2007

    I think it would be wise to get genetic counseling from a board certified genetics counselor. When I had mine, they were able to estimate my chances of being BRCA positive. You may need a doctor's referral.



    There is another website for people dealing with BRCA issues which you may want to check out http://www.facingourrisk.org

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  • Shirlann
    Shirlann Member Posts: 3,302
    edited November 2007

    Hi honey, I consider this info on your sisters a big red flag. Since mammograms are about 75 to 80% accurate, this is not good enough. I would really push for an MRI, it is more accurate and most definitely, with this family history, you should be checked for the BRCA gene.



    If the facility where you are going puh-puhs you, go elsewhere. Do not be detered in your search, and unfortunately, you will ALWAYS have to be persistent.



    If caught early, and a pro-active plan will pretty much insure this, you have every reason to expect to recover completely. If indeed, you ever have BC. But on the positive side, remember, you are only partly the same genes as your sisters, but this info about them is pretty overwhelming.



    Gentle hugs, Shirlann

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  • Mizsissy
    Mizsissy Member Posts: 371
    edited November 2007

    Zina, in all likelihood you have the BRCA gene; if you don't, consider the fact that you and your sisters don't just have similar genes, but similar environmental and sociological factors.

    BC is no joke; onee it hits, you have to worry about recurrence for the rest of your life.  You may want to consider a prophalactic double mastectomy.  That's no fun, but believe me, to get 'em off BEFORE you get cancer, and not having to worry about it...that's worth it.

    Mizsissy 

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  • jdg1
    jdg1 Member Posts: 608
    edited November 2007

    Zina,

    I agree with Mizsissy, if you have a family history as strong as yours I would take every precaution I possibly could. 

    Also, you should have the BRCA gene testing done as well. 

    Good luck

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  • Beesie
    Beesie Member Posts: 12,240
    edited November 2007

    Zina,

    With 3 sisters who've each had BC before menopause, it sounds quite likely that the BRCA genetic mutation is in your family.  But that doesn't mean that you have it.  If one parent carries the genetic mutation, then each child in the family has a 50% chance of inheriting it.  So it could be that one of your parents - either your mother or your father - has the gene, and each of your sisters inherited it.  But until you get tested, you won't know if you've inherited too.  In the meantime, you will worry like crazy.  So the best advice is to talk to a genetic counsellor and then get yourself and your sisters tested. 

    If it turns out that they have the gene and you don't, then you are the lucky one and your risk will be the same as that of the average women. 

    If they have the gene and you do too, you will be given advice on what you can do to lessen your risk and you'll be told what preventative actions you may want to consider. 

    And if neither your sisters nor you carry the gene, then you'll know that there may be another factor that is causing the breast cancer in your family, which suggests that you probably are at risk too.  A genetic counsellor will be able to advise you about that.

    Please talk to a genetic counsellor.  In my opinion, it's much better to have the facts than to not know and worry.  You never know, you might end up getting good news.

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  • veggievet
    veggievet Member Posts: 72
    edited November 2007

    Dear Zina,

    I second the suggestion of seeing a board-certified genetic counselor.  I would be happy to help you find one in your area.  Please feel free to e-mail me at: sueanddan@att.net .

    The key to finding out if there is a mutation in your family would be for one of your sisters who has had cancer to have genetic testing first.  That way they can tell if there is an identifiable mutation in your family. If your sister/s test positive for a BRCA mutation there is still a 50% chance that you didn't inherit it.  Your sisters should see a board-certified genetic counselor or genetics expert with similar expertise (as opposed to just talking with their oncologist), to make sure the appropriate test is ordered and that it is interpreted correctly. Even if none of your sisters tests positive for a mutation, there is likely to be some hereditary factor in your family.

    I also second Leaf's suggestion of visiting the FORCE website at:

    http://www.facingourrisk.org

    the site is devoted to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, and genetic counseling and testing issues. 

    Hereditary cancer is somewhat complex and it's important to see an expert in genetics to help you understand the risk and make sure that you are following appropriate risk management.

    Warmest regards,

    Sue

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  • Zina
    Zina Member Posts: 3
    edited November 2007

    Thank you to everyone who gave advise.  I have talked to my OBGYN.  She wasn't real happy with the news about my 3rd sister getting BC.  She told me she would help me with the counselor and more test.  It is nice to know that I'm not alone.  I do feel like I have a dark cloud looming above me.  I tell myself to think positive, but we all know how easy that is to do.  Thanks again, Love Zina

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  • Paulette531
    Paulette531 Member Posts: 738
    edited November 2007

    There are four girls in our family, I am the third youngest, the older two got it, I knew I was going to and I did, now there is just my younger sister. She is sure she will get it, like me, it was just a question of when.

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