breast cancer gene

Ok there is no one in my family with the gene, but my husbands mother and two aunts and cousin all have the gene. The surgeon who works with them is awesome and they have all been without cancer for a while now, but he has found out I am pregnant with a girl and wants my husband to be tested. I would like some opinions, because I really do not feel comfortable knowing now that my unborn baby might have a gene that I can not do anything about.

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

At this point in time, I believe that you have nothing serious to worry about.  When you deliver your baby, you can do genetic testing on her anytime.  Testing your husband might not help and may lead to unnecessary cost, since you may still have to test your child whether or not your husband is positive or not.  Usually if a person has these genetic mutations (BRCA1 and/or BRCA2), and if her risk of developing breast cancer is high, then the surgeon might recommend prophylactic mastectomy.  Again, this is something for your child to decide for herself in the future.  And also be sure that the gene testings are in accordance with the hospital's rules and guidelines on ethics.

Hope this helps.  Regards and God bless...