Dear Linda
"I’m not sure if you have tested positive for a gene mutation or whether you have been advised of a risk of developing a specific type of cancer due to family history. "
Both. I have braca1 and my family on both parental sides have had a long (and mostly fatal) history of cancer.
Thank you Linda.
Dear Duchess,
Welcome back to the online community and thank you for sharing this information with us. My name is Adrienne and I’m one of the Cancer Information Nurses at Macmillan.
It’s completely understandable that you would want to find out as much information as possible before making a decision about risk-reducing surgery and your healthcare team should be able to answer any questions you may have.
If you have had the BRCA Gene mutation test done privately then it would be worth speaking to your GP about a referral for genetic counselling. This counselor along with a psychologist, specialist doctors and nurses will be able to support you with any questions you may have in order for you to make an informed decision. The reason I mention you having the test done privately as counselling is usually provided prior to having the test, if done on the NHS.
Some information that you might find helpful to read in this area is this research, published online last year by BreastCancer.org. It looks at the BRCA gene mutation and risk-reducing surgery. There is also this article published by the National Institute for Health Research.
We also have a BRCA Positive Forum where people going through a similar experience can support each other so it might be helpful for you to have a look and possibly engage with. There is also the BRCAUmbrella which is a fantastic support page for people who have the BRCA mutation.
It’s a very personal decision to make and it’s great that you are looking for as much information and support as possible.
I really hope this was helpful. If you feel you’d like to talk things through, then please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are open 7 days a week from 8am till 8pm. Our number is 0808 808 0000.
Best wishes and take care,
Adrienne
Macmillan Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
Our ref: EML
