In some ways, this is positive. As far as I know, I have no near female relatives who have had breast cancer, but my surgeon is referring me because this is my 3rd primary breast cancer. The positive is that this testing doesn’t depend on other family having had BC. I have 3 younger sisters, 2 daughters with children including a baby granddaughter, so I want them to get as much protection as possible if there is a genetic element. Other family members have had other cancers, as well, so another reason for testing.
I gather the process takes about a year and ‘is quite involved’, but let’s go.
And it’s good to know that I will be monitored for a while. I’d rather not any of this, of course, but given the situation, I want everything checked out and I want to protect my family as much as I can. I’m big sister, mum and granny–I look after my family.
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Any information that can help ypur family is important. I was referred 18 years after my diagnosis as my Mum had been diagnosed with the same. The guidance had changed and I was eligible. I waited 18 weeks, standard NHS wait, to been seen in the family genetic clinic. I was given a blood test at that appointment, results 3 weeks later. Very straightforward. Interestingly, no abnormal genes were found. Mum’s oncologist felt there is a genetic link, but the genes have not been identified yet. I have since had a first cousin, diagnosed with the same type as Mum and I. My sister is now on tamoxifen and annual mammograms despite no obvious gene being detected. Good luck with the process.
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I had breast cancer 26 years ago,I have just had genetic testing .i was not a carrier,i waited about 6 months to be seen .
We have a lot of cancer in the family my mum me my sister ,my niece and a cousin all breast cancer.
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