Hi
I’m 49 and just finishing chemo for stage 3 bc. I have been told I don’t qualify for Brca test but I could pay privately. £900.
My mum also had bc at 44.
It seems strange that some people in some areas are being tested for free on nhs in their 50s and yet I don’t qualify at 49. Have you come across this? Is it a postcode lottery? Thanks x
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Sorry i realised you asked the nurses this question.
Hi stafford22,
Thanks for your post.
It’s understandable that you are keen to understand if you are eligible for genetic testing following your breast cancer diagnosis, and your mother’s history of breast cancer at 44.
Most breast cancers aren’t inherited. There are only a small number of people who will be at a greater risk of developing breast cancer because they have a significant family history. The biggest risk factors for developing breast cancer are being a woman and increasing age.
As @edp says, the NICE guidelines are used to determine whether an individual should be referred for a family history assessment and then subsequent genetic testing, and you can read more about the criteria by following the links.
As you are under the age of 60, if your breast cancer was triple negative, you would be eligible to discuss genetic testing, regardless of your family history of breast cancer. If your breast cancer was HER2 or hormone receptor positive, you could speak again with your team to clarify the reason why you are not eligible.
We offer a range of free supportive services for anyone who has had a diagnosis of breast cancer which you may be interested in. They include face to face and online courses and events.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk this through or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Best wishes
Katie
Breast Care Nurse
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