Genetic Testing

My Doctors feels I should have BRCA1  BRCA 2 Genetic test . MY mom passed at 71 yrs old with Breast Cancer that had spread to the bone. My sister was diagnoised with it at age 59 had breast removed. Four years later she got it in her other breast.  I am 57 and scared.  Is it wise I should have test done? How accurate is the test?

Help..

[japdip]

Genetic testing is a valuable tool in some cases. I'm not sure about your particular circumstances. You of course already know that you have a higher risk with your family history. If you have daughters and your test were positive then they would need to be followed much more closely and earlier than usual. Your mother was probably positive for the gene .... since your sister also had BC. I think the benefit would be more for your daughters at this point. I certainly hope that you are diligent about clinical exams, self exams and mammograms. As far as accuracy .... the test is very accurate but only indicates that your risk is much higher than the norm ..... but you already know this. Ins. would probably pay for it due to your family history ... i'm thinking around $3000. Still it would come down to your daughters being screened by age 30 or even earlier and monitored closely.  Regards ....

[beth290]

Thank you for your comment on this. I do get my screenings every year including an MRI.  I do have 2 daughters. This is something I will have to think about.

  Thanks again.

  Beth

[japdip]

You're more than welcome.... be sure your daughters start their screening early and stay with it routinely. Being vigilant is one of the best things we can do for ourselves in this fight against breast cancer.     Take care ....