Do I need a brca test?

Hi Goldiewing,

If you have a concern then speak to your GP and see whether you meet the criteria.

The way it was explained to me was if you have 2 blood relations within the last 2 generations to develop cancer under the age of 60 then there is a chance there may be a genetic mutation that is worth investigating.

Over the age of 60 tends to be more likely environmental, age related or just one of those in-explicable things.

To give you an example my familial history is my Maternal Grandmother had BC in her 40's, she was one of 7 sisters, all but 1 had various cancers throughour their lives. My Nan never had a recurrance and eventually passed from Parkinsons in her 70's.

My Mum had cervical cancer in her late 30's (unlikely to be BRCA related) and had a full hysterctomy. We think this may have been a positive as it may have delayed any BC until later in life, there are some medical studies that suggest this can help with confirmed BRCA mutations. She then had BC at the age of 59. The tumour was inoperable initially but chemo worked and she then had a mastectomy and radio and was given the all clear. She continued with Herceptin treatment for 5 years.

We were then recommended to be referred to see a genetic counsellor during a check up by her oncologist because of the familial history. We later discovered Mum carried the BRCA2 mutation that must have passed through the Maternal line. I also inherited it, my brother did not and neither had my Aunt (Mum's sister). Which goes to show the 50/50 chances of inheriting the mutation.

Sadly after being advised to stop Herceptin at the 5 year all clear, my Mum was found to have secondary BC in the form of a Brain Tumour. It had returned in the worst possible place and advanced because they did not offer her a full body scan to ensure she was completely free of cancer cells in every part of her body. Without Herceptin in her system it advanced aggressively and we lost her 7 years ago in 2014.

I would like to say the chances of you having a BRCA mutation are unlikely, but I am not a medical professional, so if you are in the least bit concerned then see your GP. I think your Mum having BC in her 60's is still a concern, so as her daughter the least they can offer you is more frequent screenings to give you some piece of mind.

Hope this helps you.

Warm Regards,

Anne

Hi Goldiewing, i lost my sister to bc 2 yrs ago aged 43, I wondered if it was genetic but I wasn’t sure, when I spoke to her consultant she asked me to complete a family tree, it was only then when I could see the ages of a couple of family members having cancer young, I was able to be referred to genetics through my gp. I have tested positive for Brca 1, good luck, all you can do at this stage is go to your gp

Hi Anne,  Thank you for your reply.  Yes, I have been hesitant for a while, and my Mum was a similar story.  She was on Tamoxifen and was due for her 5 year all clear in the October but passed in  August 2005.  Again, she was not given a body scan to see if the BC had spread, which it had. I will speak to my GP when I can get an appointment and go from there.

Thanks again

Goldiewing

Hi Previvor and thank you for your reply.  Sorry to learn of the loss of your sister.  I have gone through my family tree, and my Mum is the only one who had any cancer that I can determine.  I think I will consult my GP when I can get an appointment.

Thanks for the advice and take care.

Goldiewing 

Hi GoldieWing,

I was diagnosed with LCIS in 2013, the same year we lost my mum to ovarian cancer. I lost my sister last month to beast cancer that spread to her lungs snd liver.  We were checked but are negative for the BRCA gene but due to the number of cases of other associated cancers in the wider family (prostate and bowel) were put on annual mammogram screening. We were told that even though we weren’t positive there could be other as yet unknown genes at play. 

it is helpful to speak to a genetic counsellor as they will assess your risk and even if not BRCA positive may offer screening to give you some reassurance. 

Best wishes,

Lisa