BRCA1 and 2

[Moirapaoletti]

I realized that none of you talked about BRCA1 and 2 genes. My Mum got this blood exams because they say that 10% of ovarian cancer come due to this gene modification.
I would like to know if any of you has done it.
Thanks so much!
You are a wonderful support for me!
Moira

[crecco]

No I have not had the BRCA tests run, though I am rather curious as my mother had breast cancer.
  I also saw your last post concerning your mum and the chemo side effects. Sometimes it takes months for them to completely go away.
  I mainly wanted to welcome you to the forum. You being from Italy held a special interest for me as I am half Italian. My fathers parents were both born in italy, and i have always wanted to visit there. At the moment i cannot remember where, but I will ask my dad again.
  I hope that your mum is doing well.
   Love Chris

[Jan214]

I think those tests are good for those who don't know if those cancers run in their families, but if you already know that it does, I think being extra vigilant is the way to go.  My grandmother, & mom died of OvCa, & four of my five sisters had it although theirs were all caught early.  The point of that is that we are just taking extra precautions for my girls & my neices to be tested more frequently and with tests that they wouldn't normally give young girls.  Fortuneatly my daughter is still going to the Dr I raised her with and he knows what to do and won't just pat her on the head and send her away. My neices all live near John Hopkins and they have our family history on file so they won't have problems getting tested.  I think to often the genetic tests have had disatrous results with women mutilating themselves to avoid the slim chance they will get either cancer.   It doesn't tell you if you will get it, just if you are more or less likely to.  Also, only 10% of the women who have either cancer will test positive for the BRCA 1 or 2, so as far as a diagnostic tool it is even less reliable than a CA125.  I believe I am in the minority in this opinion though as even some Drs recommend multilation as a great way to avoid cancer.  I can't see that.

[PF_PVD]

If you do a search you will find that we have definitely discussed this subject in the past.  I know I posted about it when I had the test.

[Knotmeg]

My mother and I are going to talk to  her doctors about this the next time we meet.  While breast cancer runs rampant on my father's side of the family... my mother's side doesnt have any history of ovarian or breast.  Although.... my mom's mother came from Ireland in the 1950's Ireland... there wasn't much in cancer treatment... her sister (my mothers aunt) died of stomach cancer... and we wonder if that might have had any relationship to ovarian.

That being said... I am very interested in this test as I do have an increased risk for breast on my paternal side and now a direct line geneticlly to ovarian cancer.

I think the advice given above is a good one. To do the testing with a history or direct line to ovarian cancer...although whatever makes you most comfortable is what you should do.

Hope this helps...
Meg

[ireneo]

According to the NIH, having a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene may slightly increase your lifelong risk for ovarian cancer but there are many other factors that play into it as well.

According to Sloan Kettering:  "The lifetime ovarian cancer risk for BRCA1 mutation carriers is 35 to 60 percent, and the risk for BRCA2 mutation carriers is between 10 to 27 percent."  So there is a slight difference between the two. But remember, it's only a risk, not a guarantee because of so many other factors involved.  

[nyc lady]

BRCA testing is not a diagnostic tool for testing for OvCa, it just will let you know if genetically you carry a gene mutation which is linked to OvCa, Breast Cancer and Colon Cancer.  If a female tests positive for BRCA 2, she has a 40 percent chance of being diagnosed with OvCa.  It is true that many women will opt to remove their ovaries after then are done having families.  I have also read that if someone diagnosed and is BRCA 2 positive they have a better survival rate.

BRCA testing as well as preventative surgies are very personal, but, if Breast, Ovarian and/or Colon Cancers run in your family ,especially a first line relative, it is a good idea to have a conversation with your doctor regarding testing.

Best of luck to you,
Pam

[Moirapaoletti]

thanks to all of you! your replys makes me feel I am not alone, even if I am so far.
Unfortunately here in Italy cancer is something almost shameful and it's a family matter, that's all!
And now that my Mum needs all my love, help and hope... you are my BIG family!

Only this: thank you

Moira

[Conquerer]

Iam Braca 1  and have ovarian cancer.  we are vigilant about my breast  my daughter will be tested at the appropriate time  but recardless she will habeher ovaries out by 40.  I do have breat and ovarian in family and was told not that big of risk only 10% are carriers   well someone has to be a carrier.  i would have loved to have the ovaries out instead of cancer.Ovarian Cancer Patients Need BRCA1/2 Factshttp://www.cancerwise.org/may_2008/display.cfm?id=1808D549-8C12-4BB7-9CFFD6392FB6EB70&method=displayFull&color=red   this is a great article from MD anderson on braca 1 patients and ovca.