Genetic testing - what to expect ?

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1

Hey all,

Just need a bit of advice really about Genetic Testing.
I have an appointment coming up at a Genetics clinic and was just wondering what I can expect ? What is involved etc etc.

BIG HUGS

Mandy xxx

2

Hi Mandy,

The first visit is usually to discuss your family history so the geneticist can assess your risk. Its worth trying to find out all family members who have or had cancer, in particular, breast, ovarian, prostrate, pancreatic and bowel. If you are offered testing then you will give a blood sample which will be tested for a BRCA 1 or 2 mutation. If genetics think you’re at high risk then ask what screening will be available to you, e.g ovarian etc.

Best wishes

3

Hi Mandy

I started genetic screening approx 3 years ago, be prepared for a long drawn out process. My mum is the only living relative with a history of cancer in my family and she came with me to an appointment to provide a blood sample. The results took 15 months to come back. She did not carry the BRCA mutations, therefore it is certain that neither my sister or I carry the mutation either. Due to the very high incidence of cancers in my familly I was placed a high risk.

The process can be stressful, snd I sometimes wondered why I waited so long for the blood test result only to be told I was high risk anyway, based on the high number of relatives with cancer. I would advise taking someone with you as there is a lot of information to absorb, although Guys always wrote to me afterwards confirming what was disscussed. As Helen says, go prepared with as much information as possible. Give, where possible, approx dates of your relatives diagnosis’, and which hospital they were treated at, as the treating hospital will be contacted after obtaining consent from those still living.

Good luck, I hope all goes well.

Jackie.

4

Hi Mandy

You may find Breast Cancer Care’s publication on familial breast cancer helpful to read, I’ve posted the link for you to read a copy online. Hope this is helpful.

breastcancercare.org.uk/docs/familial_breast_cancer_updated_may_06_0.pdf

If you have any further queries or concerns please feel free to call the team of specialist breast care nurses on our helpline. The number is 0808 800 6000 Mon-Fri 9am-5pm and Sat 9am-2pm.

Best wishes
Lucy

5

Hi all and thank you for your info.

I’m going to take my mum with me as she was dx 1 week after me also with breast cancer. I was 28 and she was 53.
My aunt was also dx with breast cancer at 40. My mums aunt also breast cancer and my mums cousin ovarian cancer as well as my mum having uterine cancer 4 years ago, my mums sister uterine and my mum’s mum uterine.

All relatives are on my mums side of the family so I guess not much goes in my favour really.

I’ll let you know what happems - eventually…

BIG HUGS

Mandy xxx