BRCA positive relative

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Hi all, I’m new here and am hoping for a little support. I have recently discovered that a close relative is BRCA positive. We have a family history of cancers associated with the gene mutation, and now face a very real and very daunting decision on whether to seek genetic testing or not. I’m not sure what I want to do, as there are pros and cons to both options, but am hoping some of you will be willing to share a little about how you made your decisions, and the impact that had. Thanks in advance for any responses

  • Hi and a very warm welcome to the online community which I hope you'll find is both an informative and supportive place to be.

    I noticed that your post hadn't had any replies yet so responding to you will 'bump' it back to the top of the discussion list.

    While you're waiting for replies you could have a look through some of the previous posts and reply to any of the posters if you think they could help you consider your options.

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  • I am the first person in my family to be confirmed positive for the BRCA2 gene mutation (after having bowel and ovarian cancer).  Genetics provided me with letters for close family to contact their GPs who would then refer them to genetics... this process takes several months (7 months for us) Genetics arrange a counselling session where they talk you through the pros and cons of having the the test.... they answer any questions you have and at no point are you pushed into a decision either way.  It is your decision after the counselling if you want to go ahead with the test.  I have a lot of close family and a few started the process straight away and are now awaiting the results of the blood test, some want to wait until some results have come back so they can discuss how the experience was for those who went ahead first (I think this is because as the first BRCA2 gene fault my experience was not exactly the same as those that got the relative letter).  Our family experience so far would be at least have the discussion with the Genetics team, then decide what to do next. Hope this helps even a little.

  • Hi. I decided to have my test, but I told to all my  family I will not.

    This is becouse in case of positivity I don't want them to worry for me.

    I decided to have the test for two reasons: first, I can't stop to think about brca. So I take my 50% chance to ecit this nightmare. 

    Second I don't want children anymore - I have got 2 - and I will get my salpinx removed if I am positive.

    Not the ovaries, only falloppian tubes. This is a procedure under evaluation of a clinjcal trial. It depends on the new researchs about ovarian cancer, that found out that it originates from salpinx and not ovary in more than 50% of cases. Don't need my tubes anymore so... surgeon can keep them! 

    I think you could think if a positive test will change something for you (maybe surgery? ). If it changes your attitudes to a medical procedure stright away, you should get the test.

    If nothing would change, just do the thing that you feel better to do. You can take it later in life. 

    This is my suggestion!