Gene testing for cancer?

**SewCrafty** · 10-17-2005, 03:15 PM

Have any of you gone through or know someone who has gone through gene testing for cancer? Can you tell me all you know about it? Pros and Cons?

My oncologist wants me to do this. My sis Sandra already has and hers came back negative.

For those that don't know what I am talking about:

Is there a test for hereditary breast cancer?
Hereditary breast cancer is suspected when there is a strong family history of breast cancer: occurrences of the disease in at least three first or second-degree relatives (sisters, mothers, aunts). Currently the only tests available are DNA tests to determine whether an individual in such a high-risk family has a genetic mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes.

When someone with a family history of breast cancer has been tested and found to have an altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, the family is said to have a "known mutation." Positive test results only provide information about the risk of developing breast cancer. The test cannot tell a person whether or when cancer might develop. Many, but not all, women and some men who inherit an altered gene will develop breast cancer. Both men and women who inherit an altered gene, whether or not they develop cancer themselves, can pass the alteration on to their sons and daughters.

But even if the test is negative, the individual may still have a predisposition to hereditary breast cancer. Currently available technique can't identify all cancer-predisposing mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Or, an individual may have inherited a mutation caused by other genes. And, because most cases of breast cancer are not hereditary, individuals may develop breast cancer whether or not a genetic mutation is present.

You can read more about it here: BreastCenter.com

TIA

**Kimberlina** · 10-17-2005, 03:21 PM

I'm familiar with this and think my SIL should have it- both her grandmothers had breast bancer.

I'm wondering, though, why he wants you to have this test? What good would it do?

**SewCrafty** · 10-17-2005, 03:30 PM

I asked the same question Kimberly, especially since I don't have any children, and this is what he said.

I should have it done and also for ovarian cancer as both are in my family. Also it will show if I have a good chance of getting it back again. I *think* he said a better than 50% chance of getting it again but I'm not sure now. The reason being is if it comes back positive that I have a good chance of getting breast or ovarian cancer, that I will then have the option of getting my one ovary out and for the breast cancer have a bilateral mastectomy done before I get it again. That way I don't have to go through chemo and radiation again or give it a chance to go elsewhere before it is found.

Right after I found out I had breast cancer I called my GYN and said let's get this ovary out of me NOW! (The doctor and I at the time of my hysterectomy decided to keep it so I didn't have to go on HRT and get breast cancer, didn't work!

) anyway he said it was no big deal to keep it and he saw no reason to take it out right then. I will admit I was pretty upset when I spoke to him, so maybe he was just trying to calm me down.

I'd appreciate any info you have on it.

**Kimberlina** · 10-17-2005, 03:50 PM

Dee- Let me take a look around work tonight. I'm sure we have some info in the lab journals. If I can put my hands on it, I will send it to you. I don't remember much off the top of my head, but I know I was reading something about it just last week.

What your doctor told you makes sense, though. Never thought of it that way.