brca gene testing

my mother-in law died of breast cancer.my wife has developed it recently.my daughter is 18.at what age brca gene testing is recommended for her
sanjiv

[iam1butterfly]

I don't believe that genetic testing is necessarily age specific. What I do know is that family medical history dictates the value and need of such testing.

However, I would think that if one were to opt to have it, it would be best to have it at a younger rather than at an older age as its results could impact reproductive choices and timeliness of diagnostic screenings. The recommendation to have it is almost always at a doctor's request. So, consult your family physician and ask what his/her opinion is.

[shelly62]

Hello. I have had the gene testing done and am positive. You need to go to a genetic counseler first. Your primary md can refer you to one if need be. We have alot of breast cancer in our family and when my sister got it, I wanted to be tested. I was  at the time. After talking with the counseler and going over all the family history, they will determine if your risk is high enough to have the gene testing done. It is very expensive and this is why they need to do the screening first. If you would be the first tested they would need to test for both BRCA 1 and 2 which is a couple thousand dollars. Most insurances cover the cost now but you should check with them ahead of time. You generally need at leased 1 or 2 first degree relatives with breast cancer to qualify but again should check with your ins.


There is no age recommendations for this test. I believe it can be done at any age and the sooner the better. I did profilactice bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction since I was positive and middle age which raised the risk even more. Good thing I did. I had a pre cancer lesion in one breast the Mammo's had not picked up yet and also found I had Endometrial cancer but did not know it yet. Endometrial cancer is not linked to the Brca gene. Mine was just a fluke. Ovarian cancer is linked to it. My daughter was tested and was also positive as well as my 2 sisters and one niece. They all plan profilactic surgery but in the meantime will get MRI's instead of Mammo's and Transvaginal Ultrasounds every 6 months to watch their ovaries.

Alot of primary MD/s are not familiar with the procedure so have them refer you to a genetic counseler and they will take it from there. Go thru all you family tree and make note of everyone as far back as you can on both sides that have had cancer and at what ages. The genetic counseler should send you all the paperwork prior to your appointment. Our gene was passed on from my father. Yes even the guys can carry it. For them they can get breast cancer as well but also Prostate cancer. Good luck.