Breast Cancer Now Forum

Hello - I just had an appointment following a 2WW referral for a lump in my right breast and left feeling less than reassured.   A bit of background, I had a grade 2 tumour in my left breast back in 2015 at age 44 (formally diagnosed a few weeks later just after my 45th BDay). Family history; my maternal Grandmother had breast cancer at 45, my mother ovarian cancer at 65, and now my sister has breast cancer at 57. Limited gene testing for me back in 2015, BRCA neg. This lump/thickening has been present since June. I was advised at my (annual high-risk) mammogram in July/August to keep an eye on it and get back in touch if still concerned. Due to my sister's diagnosis in Sep I was unable to return for a checkup until Dec. GP made a 2-week wait referral but appointment was a month later. It was conducted at a local hospital but by "Your Medical Services" an outside organisation picking up the slack on the waiting list backlog, not the team who usually run the Breast Clinic. They would not perform a mammogram as I had one in July, so ultrasound instead. The radiologist said it was normal breast tissue, nothing to biopsy and to go home, though I could hang around to see the Dr if I wanted. I did. The Dr then read me the radiology report, apparently US showed some fibrocystic thickening but this was normal. My understanding was that fibrocystic tissue was difficult to differentiate from potentially malignant tissue? I asked if I might get an MRI, as I had these annually until I was 50 (I'm now 52). I realise that's the usual cutoff age, that breasts get less dense from then on, as a rule.  He was adamant that this would not be an option. I wish I could say that I can accept that - but I am just not built that way. With the cancer incidence in my family, it's hard to feel comfortable having a lump that's not been checked in every possible way! Are there options I can pursue within the NHS, or is private my only choice? There's no way I can just let this drop even if it costs me all my savings. ... View more

I posted a few weeks back regarding accessing private gene testing. I had a breast cancer diagnosis in 2015 aged 45. My maternal grandmother was diagnosed at the same age and my mum was diagnosed with advanced ovarian cancer aged 65. I had negative BRCA1/2 tests. My sister was just diagnosed with breast cancer aged 57. I notified my Clinical Genetics team of the new diagnosis: they've now declined to retest me for other mutations but have given me a list of private providers, one of whom works for that team(!). My GP has provided a referral. The private geneticist has said that the testing will be on saliva: is this new? I had a blood sample taken in the past. I was also recruited to the BOCS study, which I was led to believe might help me access further testing as and when further testing was developed. Can you offer me some advice and clarification? ... View more

Hi I recently posted asking advice following my sisters diagnosis. I was diagnosed at 45, as was my maternal grandmother. My mother was diagnosed at 65 with ovarian cancer. My sister was just diagnosed at 57. I was BRCA1/2 negative when tested in 2015. My genetics clinic have declined further tests for me but hopefully my sister will get tested now. I am curious - I know more tests are now available so would I not be able to access those? I was told at the time of my tests that any future developments and I should be eligible? Might I be able to get these privately?  ... View more

I had BRCA1/2 testing in 2015 following my diagnosis. My maternal Grandmother was diagnosed at 45, as was I. My mother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer at 65. I tested negative for BRCA1/2. Yesterday, my sister received her breast cancer diagnosis. The nurse specialist seemed surprised that neither of my 2 sisters had been  tested - in fact, they were told at the time they would definitely not be eligible.  Has testing moved on since 2015? Are there other tests available now and to relatives? As you might imagine, our family is feeling deep concerned. ... View more