BRCA Testing

renee616
renee616 Member Posts: 181
in Breast Cancer #1
Hi
I'm curious about the results from my BRCA test. It came back as negative. I was diagnosed with breast cancer 9 mths ago. My Mom was diagnosed 3 years ago. My sister was just diagnosed with it ...but the test came back as negative.....Are they accurate? My Dr said it could be a environmental factors, lifestyle etc....when it was just me & my mom...but now that my sister has it...weird coincidence?
Renee

Comments

  • TraciInLA
    TraciInLA Member Posts: 1,994 Member
    #2
    Probably a gene that hasn't been discovered yet
    Hi, Renee -

    Only a very small percentage of breast cancers are caused by a BRCA gene (5 or 10%, I think -- anyone else remember that stat?). I think most researchers agree there are very likely other genes (or factors related to genetics) that cause breast cancer that we don't know about yet.

    In my case, my father only has 2 sisters, and both are breast cancer survivors. And now me. And we're all BRCA negative. A breast cancer specialist I consulted with said it was her opinion that my father's side of the family probably carries a gene or genes that contribute to breast cancer that hasn't been discovered yet.

    Don't know if that helps?

    Traci
  • mamolady
    mamolady Member Posts: 796 Member
    #3
    3 generations
    I have 2 great aunts, one aunt and my sister and I have/had Breast Cancer. My aunt was 47, I don't know how old the great aunts were. I believe one of them was in her 20's. My sister was 30 and I was 47. These are all ages that would indicate a genetic factor. I tested negative for both BRCA genes. My oncologist said they probably have discovered the gene yet. I will bank some DNA just in case they discover something after I am gone. I have 2 daughters and 2 grand daughters so hopefully they wont have to fight this battle. I wished I had been positive so my kids could know for sure if they have to worry. My oldest is looking into prophylactic mastectomy at 28 years old. It really sucks.

    Cindy
  • carkris
    carkris Member Posts: 4,553 Member
    #4
    mamolady said:

    3 generations
    I have 2 great aunts, one aunt and my sister and I have/had Breast Cancer. My aunt was 47, I don't know how old the great aunts were. I believe one of them was in her 20's. My sister was 30 and I was 47. These are all ages that would indicate a genetic factor. I tested negative for both BRCA genes. My oncologist said they probably have discovered the gene yet. I will bank some DNA just in case they discover something after I am gone. I have 2 daughters and 2 grand daughters so hopefully they wont have to fight this battle. I wished I had been positive so my kids could know for sure if they have to worry. My oldest is looking into prophylactic mastectomy at 28 years old. It really sucks.

    Cindy

    I also tested negative but
    I also tested negative but there is a strong history on my dads side in one line. I found this out after I was diagnosed. so I have to think has some undiscovered gene as well. I am sick about this for my kids two girls 17 and 20.
  • Angie2U
    Angie2U Member Posts: 2,991
    #5
    TraciInLA said:

    Probably a gene that hasn't been discovered yet
    Hi, Renee -

    Only a very small percentage of breast cancers are caused by a BRCA gene (5 or 10%, I think -- anyone else remember that stat?). I think most researchers agree there are very likely other genes (or factors related to genetics) that cause breast cancer that we don't know about yet.

    In my case, my father only has 2 sisters, and both are breast cancer survivors. And now me. And we're all BRCA negative. A breast cancer specialist I consulted with said it was her opinion that my father's side of the family probably carries a gene or genes that contribute to breast cancer that hasn't been discovered yet.

    Don't know if that helps?

    Traci

    Your post helped me to
    Your post helped me to understand better Traci! Thanks!
  • Heatherbelle
    Heatherbelle Member Posts: 1,226 Member
    #6
    I recently found out that I
    I recently found out that I am positive for the BRCA1 gene mutation. In fact, I had an appointment with the genetic counselor this morning. She also said, like others have before my comment, that there are families with several generations of breast cancer & they can be all negative for brca 1&2 - they are probably genetic, but they just haven't discovered that particular mutation yet.
    *hugs*
    heather
  • lynn1950
    lynn1950 Member Posts: 2,570
    #7
    Within 12 months, my mom, my
    Within 12 months, my mom, my sister, and I were diagnosed with breast cancer. We have all tested negative for BRCA. I was given the same information as you. xoxoxo Lynn
  • cahjah75
    cahjah75 Member Posts: 2,631
    #8
    I'm the 5th in my family with bc and tested negative. My counselor said they probably haven't discovered my gene yet.
    Char
  • Dot53
    Dot53 Member Posts: 239 Member
    #9
    Hi Renee
    My mother, both sisters and I have had breast cancer.. my BRCA test came back negative.. my doctor wanted me to have the BART test as she felt it would be positive but my insurance doesn't cover the test... I have two daughters and am petrified that they will also fall victim to this disease...

    Dot

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