Hereditary Cancer GENE testing

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Hi, what is the benefit of having this test? My consultant recommended the Colour test which includes the BRCA  gene.

My mum and I both were diagnosed with breast cancer 2013 .

2024 mum was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and I have April 19th been diagnosed again with hormonal breast cancer ( recurrance )

My mums oncologist mentioned testing the "Cancer DNA"

To say if been very worried would be an understatement, I'm in-between diagnosis and treatment. 

What do I do

  • Hi Pink68

    Welcome to the online community.

    I hope you’re finding it helpful to share your experience with us. You may be interested in joining the breast cancer forum and emotional support forum.

    I am sorry to hear about you and your mum’s breast cancer diagnosis in 2013, your mum’s recent diagnosis of pancreatic cancer and your own recurrence, this must have had a massive impact on all of your family.

    The benefit of having the test for the BRCA gene is it would indicate whether there is a greater risk of developing a cancer and therefore if there may be other family members who may also carry the BRCA mutation. Other family members can then decide whether to be tested and to manage their own cancer risk if they have the altered gene. It may also guide what treatment you are given for your cancer.

    The BRCA test can be done on the NHS, and I would advise you to speak to your consultant to see if you are eligible for this. You would also receive genetic counselling with the NHS testing to help you decide the way forward.

    If the consultant is recommending that you have the testing privately, I would ask them to give you the reason for this recommendation, why it cannot be done on the NHS and what the benefit for you would be.

    When your mum’s oncologist mentioned testing the cancer DNA this is to look at the tumour itself to see if there is anything that may indicate that she should be offered targeted therapies as a treatment option. Targeted therapies target the differences in cancer cells that help them grow and survive

    Many people would feel anxious in your situation. It is important that you find sources of support, you may want to speak to your GP or specialist nurse about the impact that it is having on you psychologically so they can offer more support. We also have a partnership with Bupa who can offer up to sessions and the daylight app is available through Macmillan free of charge which uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques to help manage anxiety.

    On this platform it can be difficult to have a two-way conversation and to fully understand what you are going through. We often find that we can help people more by talking to them directly. A conversation may make it easier to explore complex or emotional issues. You can speak to one of our experienced cancer information nurses by calling our free helpline on 0808 808 00 00 or by Webchat seven days a week 8am – 8pm.

    I hope this information has been useful, please contact us whenever we can help. 

    Take care.  

     

    Kathryn

     

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist  

     

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email. Ref: KR/LA

  • Thank you , 

    This is a start and yes I am very anxious xx