Hi, I am new to this and have only registered today,
My name its bexx , I’m 21 from essex, and lost my mother to breast cancer june 2010 , she fought a good 12 year strong battle, and it was so heartbreaking. Mum used to spare me the gory details (thinking I couldnt handle too much info) but I will remember the conversation we had when I was 19. She told me she was worried wether it was hereditary as my grandad and his sister suffered from cancer, and my uncle, All from my mothers side of the family. At the time she said I could go to the doctors and to find out if I have that gene, so that if I did steps could be taken to prevent early signs, Im no genius but I would be so grateful if someone could help
Welcome to the BCC forums, in addition to the support and information you will recieve here I am posting to the ‘Breast cancer in families’ publication which you may find useful, please also feel free to call our helpline on 0808 800 6000, the lines are open weekdays 9-5 and Sat 9-2;
i can understand that your mum worried about you, i have 2 daughters and that will always be a concern for me, that it may be hereditary.
i have a 1st cousin who was dx at 32, i am 45, and because there are the 2 of us dx at a young age (i’m apparantly considered young lol) i have been referred to the genetics service.
i’ve just received their questionaire and its not just for those who do have BC, but those who could be considered a high risk
they ask for details of family members and who if anyone has had what cancer.
my oncologist referred me to them so possibly your gp would be your 1st port of call, or i would have thought they could advise you
However only certain cancers are related to BC, so having cancers in your family wouldn’t necessarily make you at higher risk.
If mum was diagnosed under age 40 then you would be able to get early screening yourself from age 40… Much will depend on the type of cancer and age of onset as to whether your at an increased risk… But as gill said your gp should be able to refer you so it can be assessed fully.