BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 TEST

susie09
susie09 Member Posts: 2,930
edited March 2014 in Breast Cancer #1
It seems that most oncologist's recommend and urge for a bc patient that is positive for the

BRCA 1 & 2 to have a double mastectomy. It wasn't really explained to me as I was negative

for it. But, my onocologist said that if I had been positive, that a double mastectomy would

have been the treatment. Why is that? Thanks!

Comments

  • Alexis F
    Alexis F Member Posts: 3,598
    #2
    I don't know that I can
    I don't know that I can explain it Susie. Mine was negative so I had a lumpectomy.
  • chickad52
    chickad52 Member Posts: 497
    #3
    CHANCES ARE HIGH
    Susie, I believe that your chances are much higher to get cancer in the other breast if you are positive. You should have your doctor explain. Good Luck
  • Ltalcott
    Ltalcott Member Posts: 119
    #4
    The other recommendation is that, after childbearing is complete, the ovaries are removed.

    The chances of ovarian cancer go up from 2% for the general public to about 43% for those with the BRCA gene mutation. (I might have my numbers off, but it's an impressive increase.) And because there is no screening test for ovarian cancer, just being vigilent about "checks" does nothing.

    I was negative for the gene, but I helped care for my aunt as she died of ovarian cancer--I'm more scared of it than I am of bc.

    But...my husband and at least one surgeon won out with the voice of reason, and I'm not having that surgery.

    LIsa
  • Akiss4me
    Akiss4me Member Posts: 2,188
    #5
    Susie....
    I am waiting on my test results to see if I will resume radiation or end up with double mastectomy. Here is the reason my Rad Oncologist gave me.
    When radiated, your other breast is somewhat effected by residual radiation, besides the breast you are radiating.
    If you test positive for the gene, besides the ovarian cancer risk, your risk of developing a cancer in the other breast goes up to about 43% as well. Nothing can really stop it. However, you can significantly cut your risk by having double mastectomy.
    If you do radiation, then later have a mastectomy, it is harder for reconstruction due to radiated tissue (sometimes impossible). He said it would not be ethical for him to continue without giving me the option. :) Pammy
  • susie09
    susie09 Member Posts: 2,930
    #6
    Ok, thank you so much for
    Ok, thank you so much for explaining this to me. Some of this stuff is just hard to understand, or else, the oncologist's don't explain it in my terms. lol

    Thanks again!
  • Kristin N
    Kristin N Member Posts: 1,968 Member
    #7
    susie09 said:

    Ok, thank you so much for
    Ok, thank you so much for explaining this to me. Some of this stuff is just hard to understand, or else, the oncologist's don't explain it in my terms. lol

    Thanks again!

    Lolad, this should help to
    Lolad, this should help to explain the test too besides the other thread. And, you should talk to your oncologist about the test. It is a very important test, especially for your future daughters and for your future.

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