genetic gene - breast cancer worries
Posted , 4 users are following.
Hi all,
I'm 30 year's old woman, my mum was diagnoised with breast cancer at the age of 32. She had too have her breast removed but she's fine now and she's 57 and healthy.
I have filled out a family history form..I have no other members in my family who had breast cancer except my mothers father's sister. She got breast cancer in her 60's..I'm very worried about my health and risk.
Could there be a genetic link? I was told it's only when 2 same family members and not one...
I have had my breasts checked by a gp and she said there fine..she did feel a slight thicking in my right breast but she said it was normal..and that it could be my menstural cycle..I recently had fibroid surgery and haven't had a period in 6 months..so I guess my hormones are mixed up! I'm just really scared and become almost obsesseb about checking my breasts
Please help
Tezi xx
0 likes, 3 replies
tutster
Posted
I am living with the breast cancer gene and the reason i was tested was because both my mother and grandmother had cancer.
I have regular check ups and mri scans, the only problem is they are a little over cautious and i have had 3 biopsies in 2 years which were found to be nothing.
I think if you are worried you can be tested for the gene but if i were you i would stick with just checking them yourself once a week and if you notice anything different go to your doctor and tell him your history. Please dont let it take over your life.
Fanny_Jane
Posted
I have the same history as you but am much older. I have had regular mamograms for over 30 years now. Twice I was recalled and both times it turned out to be calcified lumps. No Cancer.
I have also experienced over this time lots of mastitis pains what the docs call 'breast mice'. ie; lumps that move about. It was all to do with hormones and came and went.
I was often terrified and upset over all this. Looking back I wish I'd been a bit more pragmatic about it all.
Your GP is aware of your family history. Your mum may have had a rogue cancer that was nothing to do with genetics. I'm also sure if you check yourself regularly and pop along to the docs when you are worried she will be sympathetic and helpful.I have 3 sisters in their 50's, none of us has had breast cancer but have had the cyclic hormonal painsand lumps I mentioned.
Get on with your life and take care of yourself, Fanny Jane.
thti3290
Posted
I too have this genetic fault, diagnosed after one of my younger sisters tested positive. She was offered the test after being diagnosed with breast cancer at 47 and ovarian cancer at 49. Also Mum had did of breast cancer in 1989. Also my brother died in 1992 of Pancreatic cancer ( one of the other cancers with BRCA 2 gene)
When I got my results it was shown to be that the genetic fault had in fact come from my Dad's side of the family - not my Mum. Hers must have just been a coincidence.
However although there are no other breast cancers on my Dads side there are pancreatic, prostate and skin cancers - all related to BRCA 2.
I am 61, my dad died at 86, so not all people with BRCA 2 go on to have cancer.
So when filling in your family history form - don't just look at breast cancer in the family - look also at ovarian, pancreatic, skin, colo-rectal and prostate (in males).
Good luck if you do decide to have the genetic test, I wanted to just for my peace of mind, and it does mean I get annual scans and if I do have a scare - I get a priority check up.
thti3290