Hi Everyone
I am wondering if anyone knows of the risk to Son’s.
I was diagnosed back at Christmas 05 at age 32 with BC and was told I was only slightly hormone receptive (whatever that means) had mastectomy, full axillary clearance with one node involved, followed by chemo but no rads. I have 3 children, 2 boys and a girl, eldest boy is coming up 19 yrs , Girl is coming up 13 yrs and youngest boy is 4 yrs.
Does this mean that my sons could also be at risk, can it be hereditary through Mums to sons also. I am hoping to have genetic tests done for my daughters sake. My Onc said once my daughter gets to about 18 then we should go ahead and test but I am worried as he never mentioned my son who is almost 19 now.
Should I be getting the ball rolling on the testing now?
Hugs
Neenie xx
Since men can also have the faulty gene, it might be wise to have him tested too. But discuss it with your onc.
I was told in my area that they normally only do the genetic test if you already have a family history as it’s done on a points system. You have to have had a close family member such as mother, aunt, or sister who had breast cancer at an early age (pre menopausal) I’ve got a family history (my mum died at 46 and my aunt was in her early 50’s) and I’m waiting to see if I have either the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene (I’ve also got breast cancer).
It’s the BRCA2 gene that has the risk to the male side of the family as their risk of developing prostate cancer can increase.
Hope this helps.
Pinkdove
Hi Neenie, has anyone else in your family had breast cancer or ovarian cancer? If they have yes I would ask to be tested as you have had bc at a young age…if you don’t have one of the BRCA genes your children won’t need to be tested for BRCA 1 or 2 as the genes don’t skip a generation. I have breast cancer and recently found out I don’t have BRCA 1 or 2 but because there is both breast and ovarian cancer in my family and because there may be as yet undiscovered genes that are linked to both of these cancers my sister (in her 40’s) is now having yearly mammograms and ovarian screening and my daughter will have earlier checks too.
Belinda
I am in a similar situation to you (lots of family history of breast ovarian and bowel cancers on my mums side. Also some leukaemia’s which Guys think may also be linked) My mum tested negative to BRCA genes. I have not been diagnosed but I am currently having prophylactic mast’s and ovaries removed.
How early will your daughter start her screening (what age)?
Jackie.
Hi Jackie, I’ve probably had bc since I was 40 so my daughter will be screened from age 35.
Belinda.
Hi everyone
Many Thanks for your replies. My Mum was caught very early on with bc and had Lumpectomy and tamoxifen, she was already being regularly screened due to numerous non cancerous lumps and also as she had to start HRT early on after cervical cancer led to full hysterectomy in her late 20’s early 30’s, my Dad’s twin sister also had full hysterectomy due to cervical cancer.
I will speak to my Onc and mention that my son will be 19 years old next month so I would like advice regarding the genetic tests.
Thank you so much for your help everyone and best wishes.
Neenie xx
Hi
I have breast cancer 5years ago and ovarian cancer (unconnected) last year. I have just received the results of my genetic test and its shows I am BCRA2 positive. No one else in my family had breast or ovarian cancer. I have told my son and they are going to check to see if he has the gene and if so will test him when he’s 40 (next year for prostrate cancer) and that he should check for lumps. He was great about it. I am worrying myself sick how to tell my daughter. She is hoping to have another child soon. I coped with the cancer quite well, although I was very ill with the treatment for the ovarian cancer. I haven’t been angry until now and just want to cry all the time.
Toddy