My GP referred me to Addenbrooks for genetic testing following my sister’s BC diagnosis just a few months after my own. We also have a paternal aunt who had two primary breast cancers and our grandmother also had a mastectomy.
My referral letter was sent on 25th March - but I haven’t heard anything yet - is this wait normal?
Is it a blood test - and does everyone have to have councelling beforehand or is that something they do if your test comes back positive - and do they just test for BRCA1/2 or for other genetic anomolies too?
Not sure, might be different areas have different systems/wait periods. My breast cancer nurse referred me for genetic testing early September. I got an email from the Genetic Counsellor on 15 September to set up a call. I spoke to them on 16 September and had one or two further calls. I then had a blood test and results by the end of October. They then sent a very detailed letter to my consultant which took a further 6 weeks. They did the BRCA gene test along with other tests.
If you have been waiting since 25 March for someone just to contact you and a blood test hasn’t even been taken then does seem like a long wait. However could depend on area/hospital perhaps.
It will depend on the centre and most are pretty busy now due to the guidelines changing as more people are eligible for testing. I waited about 5 months and it was a blood test with no counseling. They tested for all available variants at the time, not just the ones that are pretty well known. Give your centre a call, they can tell you how long their wait is. Best wishes