brac test

[margaret826]

why is it so hard to get a brac an. test
when you know for a fact that cancer does run in my family
(ovarian, cervical, lymph, colon)
when i question my family dr. he new nothing
when i called sloan hosp. their answer was
"in order to be tested you have to HAVE cancer
my question is WHY WAIT?

[cuqui75]

I'm a US VET with family history of breast, ovarian, cervix, prostate, stomach, troat cancer and the VA does not test me for any.  Test are expensive and VA claims to have no money.  Where to now? in 1987 I had cancer cells in uterus walls (found via coposcolpy) and got non- malinant tumors removed from brest. HELP!

[nmsal]

I have tested.  I had to get a referral to an oncologist/hematologist from my pcp.  I did not have to see a GC.  The oncologist took all of my information that included an extensive family history.  The family history included info on everyone that I knew of that had ever been diag., the age of thier diag, the type of cancer and the age they were when they passed away if they had passed away.  Based on that information she (the oncologist) made the decision on whether I was a good candidate for testing.  For me, I was, and was asked if testing was what I wanted to do.  I chose to test and she had the blood drawn right there.  I got my results in about 3 weeks and found out I was BRCA 1 and 2 positive.  For me, there was no one else to test.  My insurance payed for everything, no questions asked.  

I would really check with your PCP (if you have one) and see what they can do for you.  MY PCP is the one that got the ball rolling, Prior to my physical the year I had it done, I knew nothing about BRCA testing.  My PCP was the one who suggested it.  He looked at my family history and basically said I had no choice.  

I figured that my fate was sealed (diag. at anytime).  BRCA testing pretty much saved my life.  Preventative surgery wasn't so preventatve, cancer was found in both breasts and uterus.  Nodes were clear so, no further treatment was needed.  I plan on being the first female to make it past my 56 birthday.  So, my suggestion to you is, talk to your medical team and have them advocate for you.  They will push for it if they feel it is a possibility.  Good Luck!!!!

Sally

[neighbor7x]

I was told that you need a referral to a genetic counceler then the insurance will pay for the test.  The insurance company wants the counceler to order the test after first seeing that you really need it and also to explain the ramifications of testing, before you agree to the test.

[NY_Princess]

I am wondering the same thing. My gyn/onc wants my mom to get tested, not me because she would be the carrier. Both her sister and mother and father had different forms of cancer. She is having trouble getting this done too, so I might as well just wait until after my hysterectomy in two weeks and the path results, it will be covered and quicker...then it it is cancer, I will make her get tested so I can make sure my sister is ok. I have all the genetic history to be positive on this. Good luck, let us know.

[nyc lady]

There are so many different variables, I guess.  At this point it is still an expensive test, I am certain if you wanted to, you could pay out of pocket.  BRCA testing is usually done on someone that has been diagnosised and has a family history of OvCa, Breast or Colon...if the test comes back positive, then they would test other female relatives....but again,don't know about insurance coverage.