Hi
Does anyone know whether treatment differs for people with BRCA1/2 mutations if these are known about before diagnosis?
Just curious!
D
Hi Dahlia
I’m not sure whether you’ve got one of the genes but if you have BRCA1 it means that other females on your side of the family would have a 50/50 chance of developing breast or ovarian cancer - which also means they have a 50% chance of not developing cancer
If you have BRCA2 it means that you have a 50/50 chance that the females in your family will develop breast cancer and the male side of the family might develop prostate cancer.
Depending on whether you do carry one of these genes means (depending on the age of the females) that they would be offered yearly mammograms and the male side should ask their doctor about a PSA blood test.
I would imagine that treatment would be based on what type of cancer, i.e. breast, ovarian or prostate was present.
Hope this helps.
xxx
Hi,
BRCA 1 & 2 mutations carry an increased risk of ovarian cancer so if you have a mutation you are entitled to ovarian and breast screening. Some women opt for preventative surgery, ie, bilateral mastectomy and oopherectomy. I had an oopherectomy after finding out I had a mutation of the BRCA 2gene.