sister?

I am in my 4th year of being a breast cancer survior.  My sister called me last week and said she had an apt with her doctor because she found 3 lumps.  She called me back after the apt and asked if I have had the breast cancer gene test.  Nope, I don't think so was my response.  She said her doctor advised that I have this test.  This should reveal what her genes say.  My question???  Why should I have the test?  Why didn't her Dr. tell her to have the test?  Yes my grandmother died of breast cancer so it does run in the family.  But, I already have it so why would a dr tell me to get this test??

[CCF-RN,MSN-rf]

Dear ozcin:  The first thing your sister should do is determine what the 3 lumps are.  This is independent of genetics at this point.  If they are negative, then the issue of genetic testing can be raised.  You don't mention your age, but breast cancer mutations are most common in young people (as young as 35-40, although there's not a magic stopping point).  So your age at diagnosis as well as your grandmother's age would be a part of the picture.  A genetic counselor would be the person to pursue to discuss this testing.  If it were pursued, you would be the one tested, since you had the known disease.  If you test positive, then they would look for that specific mutation in your sister.  If you are not interested in being tested, then a genetic counselor could discuss testing your sister, although they may not do this unless she is diagnosed - and then the purpose of the test is to protect other females (and ? males) in the lineage.  It would be a good idea for both of you to see a genetic counselor who could explain this in more detail, specific to your situations.  In any case, your sister should address the current lumps first.

[Twin 2 Cindy]

I am very interested in the answer to this question as my twin sister was just diagnosed with breast cancer and a breas specialist where I work ( I am an RN) said the same thing, that my sister should be tested.

[Crystal85]

I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer - my sister six years ago.  I asked my oncologist about gene testing as we have daughters, nieces, etc.  Unless there were family members willing to have prophylactic bilateral mastectomies, there was no point in knowing.  (Also, he didn't think our two occurrances were more than the overall average.) Also, it could be used as to keep you from getting other insurance converage.  Why doesn't your sister have the testing?

[ozcin]

That (I guess) is my question.  Why doesn't her Dr do the test on her??
I was 44 & she (my sister) is 49 and when my grandmother died she was 35, why does age make a difference?

[isabel68]

If you already had breast cancer and test positive for the mutation, then you may be at high risk for getting cancer in the second breast as well as ovarian cancer.  It is not unreasonable of your sister's doctor to request that you be tested.  Your grandmother was premenopausal and that raises a flag.
Take care