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worried about brca 1 and 2 breast and ovarian cancer genes

  • 12-10-2008 11:41pm
    #1
    worriedbrca1&2
    Closed Accounts Posts: 1 ✭


    Hi everyone
    Just wanted to find out if anyone has been in a similar situation or knows anything about the impact of gene testing for breast or ovarian cancer? I am not looking for any medical advice as I already know of the serious implications of being diagnosed with brca 1 or 2 mutations. I would like to know however how people feel about finding out if you have a gene mutation that will or might cause you to get cancer...should you find out and go through several tests every year or is it better to remain ignorant? What impact could it have on your everyday life...I have thought about it but if my Brca test shows I have the gene mutation (not the the cancer gene as so many people generally refer to it) where does my life go from there????
    Thakns for any and all advice.


Comments

  • #2
    king_of_inismac
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,368 ✭✭✭king_of_inismac


    I've been a researcher in the area of breast cancer for the last few years.

    If you have been gene tested, and you have the genes, then just be sensible. Get tested regularly from your early thirties.

    Breast cancer, when found early, is extremely treatable!

    Therefore get regularly tested (mammograms), and be very thankful that you are aware of your genetic predeposition. Many women have these genes and are unaware!


  • #3
    Faith
    Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 30,661 Mod ✭✭✭✭Faith


    I've a history of breast cancer in my family, and have seriously thought about being tested. In fact, my doctor arranged an appointment but I won't be in the country for it. If it turns out you have the genes, you can take extra care to check regularly for signs of cancer. The earlier it's caught, the better. If you don't have it, you can relax a little. It does depend on whether you think you're strong enough to deal with it if you have the genes though, or whether you'll fall to pieces and convince yourself that you're dying.

    But many women get breast cancer without having those genes. You still need to be vigilant and do regular breast checks and get mammograms. The good news is that mammograms are continuously improving. The new Breast Check clinic in Cork has detected lumps in hundreds of women that weren't even big enough to feel yet.


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