Genetic Testing For Breast Cancer

My mother is a breast cancer survivor (3 years).  She went to her surgeon the other day to discuss reconstruction.  He told her before he did anything he wants to do genetic testing to see if her cancer is genetic.  He said if it comes back positive then he will involve her family.  Have any of you or anyone you know had the genetic testing?  What does it entail?

[xrayu2]

It is a blood test that tests for the BRCA I and II gene.  They can be linked to hereditary forms of breast, ovarian and colon cancers. The biggest apprehension that I have seen people have is what to do with the information once they get it.

[Christie04_returns]

I declined genetic testing for mine.  It didn't mean any new problems could be ignored, and even if my sister was negative, that does not mean she doesn't have to have close scrutiny anyway.  

Genetics are just one peace of the breast cancer puzzle.

[Under Forty Pam]

I had the genetic testing done.  Just got my results in fact last week.  Mine were negative.  I figure I already have processed plenty of insurance claims thru my insurance company that they ought to know I have cancer already.  What could a gene test do.  Well, it might help my sister know if she should be more careful.  It is a simple blood test.  I met with a genetic counselor, they asked a lot of family background, they drew blood and I returned 4 wks later for the results, that was it.

[rkmsim]

I had genetic testing done in 2004 after having bilateral breast cancer - first time in 1998 and the second time in 2003.  I found out that I am BRCA1+.  I elected to have a bilateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction in 2004.  Although no cancer was found, I did have atypical hyperplasia in both breasts.  All my doctors said based on my history, BRCA status and the pathology following the mastectomy, it was probably only a matter of time before I faced bc again.  I felt that knowing my BRCA status gave me knowledge to determine what action to take.  Neither of my daughters have been tested yet.  I can understand their reluctance while at the same time I worry about them if they do carry the mutation.  I never want them to go through what I did.  I know I can never be sure I won't get bc again, but I do know that I have reduced my risk as much as possible.  By the way, I also had my ovaries removed after finding out my BRCA1+ status.  I'm currently in a clinical trial for ovarian cancer to try and find a method for early detection.  Both of my daughters are participating as well.  Before you decide on genetic testing, you have to decide on what you will do with the knowledge you get, especially if it comes back positive.  Knowing that you have an increased risk (up to 87% for bc and 65% for ovca) can weigh heavily on your mind and you need to be as prepared as possible to handle that knowledge.

[JayF]

I had genetic testing done last year, as I was third generation dx. with breast cancer. My grandmothers two sisters were both over 60 when dx. Then I was dx with DCIS at age 35, and then my own mother got stage 1 b/c after me, at at age 65. I decided to do it for my daughters. I have three small girls and figured if I had the gene, then I would want them to know so when they are older they could be tested to see if the gene was passed on to them. Well, if you could believe I tested NEGATIVE. I really thought I did have the gene, but turns out I did not. So...I guess you never know until you yourself get tested. Just thought I would share my info. incase it may help someone.