BRACA Gene

Hi Suze~

What my breast surgeon told me, was that the first person that should be tested, would be the one diagnosed with breast ca.... Some folks have done some genetic counseling before they've had it done~and I know folks who just don't want to know the answer, so decided to not have it done.  I chose to have the testing, as my mom died in her 40's when I was young...and I don't have any idea where it started--but probably ovarian or uterine is what I've been told.  I also have ovarian ca on my dad's side.  I did it more to see if anything showed up that I could have passed on to my son...so I definitely understand your concern about your daughters~

My surgeon had said that her only recommendation if it was positive, would be BPM; so I knew that up front and was ready to do whatever I needed to do~  Mine came back ok--and glad I had it done~although if insurance hadn't paid for 80% I wouldn't have been able to do it!

I think only you can decide what's best for your situation....after you have all the info regarding family hx and talk to your doc(s) and get his/her recommendation(s).  Good luck!! 

I agree with awb.



There are some family patterns (like no siblings, or only males in a generation) where it may be trickier to determine patterns of inheritance. A board certified genetics counselor (these are usually associated with major institutions or universities) can give you some idea about the risk you have for having a BRCA mutation. I had the initial counseling only, and (in Mar 2006), I opted to self pay for this which was <$400 for the first counseling only. My institution required initial counseling before testing. I think that is an excellent idea. My insurance determined it was not medically necessary for me to be tested, so if I underwent testing, it would be out of pocket.
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I opted not to be tested for now as my risk for BRCA is quite low (about 2%). I found the genetic counseling quite helpful, nonetheless.



Most breast cancers are NOT from inherited genetic mutations. Only about 10-20% are associated with genetic mutations. For about 70% of breast cancer cases, the only known risk factor is being a woman.





BRCA mutations are associated with breast cancer (especially premenopausal) , ovarian cancer, male breast cancer, and Ashkenazi Jewish heritage among others.