Hi,
I went to a breats clinic a while back to determine family history - my Mum died at 27 after battling for 3 years with bc. They told me that as she is no longer here i can’t be genetically tested, and they also wont offer me any kind of screening until 40. Does this sound righyt? I want to push for maybe an MRI or a genetics test, but am unsure of how to go about it?
Also, i have noticed in the last month that i have a dimple/patch just outside of my left nipple, and don’t know what to do? It kind of looks like a scar (although it definielty isnt)and is about 1cm in diameter - any advice??
My GP is not very good and only referred me to the clinic after badgering because “you dont get bc that young” (im 23).
Any help appreciated 
Hi…I’ve had genetic testing…as your Mum sadly died so young I would urge you to either see another doctor or see the original GP and absolutely insist you get a referral to get checked out as soon as possible.
Without wishing to worry you further you are not too young to have breast cancer. I also (think) you can still have your bloods tested for one of the BRCA genes. But just due to your family history you should be under the guidance of your nearest genetics department. Do push until the GP listens to you and Good Luck…I hope all will be well.
I have breast cancer and although I don’t have the BRCA genes my daughter will be screened from 5 years before the age I had my cancer.
It’s an important factor your Mum was so young and I first noticed my cancer when I too had a dimple in my breast. Take Care…BCC have a helpline…it might well be worth talking it over with a medical person.
xx
Hi I dont mean to scare you at all, I got BC at 22, i am now 23.My mum died of it at 32 but actually got the desease at 26-27. It does happen to younger women as it happened to me but is extremely rare, i was told it was not even a 1% chance that I would have had it that young. My sister goes for regular MRI scans, she is just 25. Maybe ask to be referred to see someone else and they may offer more screening. Is it just your mum to have had BC?
If you are worried I would get another poinion off another doctor, maybe a young woman. I was told that I couldnt have genetic screening as my mum died, after actually having cancer I have found out that I dont have any of the BRCA genes I may have another one.
I hope that everything goes ok for you.
Emily xxxx
hi im jude im 35 and a brca1 carrier
my mum died of ovarian at 45 and my sister had aggressive breast cancer at 28
my nan died aged 30 with ovarian and great gran had breast cancer
my doctor was great but you wont get any help unless you push for it
i told my doc i wanted genetically tested and was referred to councilor from them i got test and oopherectomy(ovaries out)through keyhole for preventive luckily i have 2 young girls alredy and werent planning anymore
considering double masectomy and reconstruction its what i was offered
i knew i had the gene before test as all my family have had breast or ovarian cancer
fight your corner no ono else will do it for you but keep asking gp for tests and genetic counciling
goodluck jude im 35
Hi cm1986
I have put for you below the link to BCC’s publication regarding breast cancer in families which I hope you will find useful to read.
breastcancercare.org.uk/server/show/nav.718/changeTemplate/PublicationDisplay/publicationId/70
Could I also suggest that you give our helpline a ring and have a chat with one of the nurses here? The helpline is open again on Monday morning at 9am until 5pm (Mon to Fri, Sat 9am - 2pm) calls to the helpline are free, 0808 800 6000.
Hope this helps. Kind regards,
Jo, Facilitator
I am being tested for the BRCA genes and my mother died years ago, so they only have my blood to use. I guess it if there are other family members who can be tested, it will be easier to determine the exact gene, but not impossible without your mother.
Like others have said, please do not be fobbed off by your GP. Your mother was very young to have had Breast Cancer and you need to be kept under close observation. Ask to see another doctor or take an assertive friend with you on your next visit to insist that more is done, especially as you have something you are concerned about.
Hi there. My mother died of bc at 41 and I was told before I developed bc that I couldn’t be tested because they’d need to take a blood sample from my mum and she’s no longer alive. However, now I myself have developed bc I am able to be tested. I think it’s to do with how difficult it is for them to locate the BRCA genes; therefore they need to take a blood sample from someone who actually has the disease. I was also told I wouldn’t be eligible for screening until I was 40, as having only one relative with bc doesn’t constitute a “strong” family history. Ho hum, one year later and recently diagnosed. I guess you could consider getting screened privately, if that’s a feasible option…
You should definitely push to get that dimple looked into though, and don’t take no for an answer.
Good luck.
Caro xx
Hi,
You are so right to be worried. Your mother had breast cancer when she was quite young.usually breast cancer in young are genetic caused by faulty gene.Yes NHS tests the gene if there are any living relations with breast cancer. Have you got any family relations of your mother with breast cancer. If yes you can ask if they have been checked. If not ask them to get checked for the common mutations. If they come out positive…you can get checked as well. Anyway push for the referral to the family history clinic/genetic clinic by your GP.
I you have no living relative to check for the mutation, this is my unprofessional advice for you to get it done privately if you can afford.