Recently I attended a conference on breast cancer and listened to a seminar on genetic risks. The take-away from this session was assessing risk and making informed decisions based on your risks.Here is a much abbreviated overview of genetics. Mutations occur and the body has mechanisms to repair or kill the mutations but sometimes the cells cannot get the job done. Sometimes people are born with a genetic make-up that has a mutation. Sometimes mutations are acquired.
So the question is; would you have a test done to see if you have a genetic mutation?
There is a group of women who don’t get yearly mammograms because they are afraid. Even though breast cancer when diagnosed and treated early has a 98% survival rate and the test is free in many states, and image centers are open early, late and on Saturday, still some women resist.
You say there is no breast/ovarian cancer in your family so no need to worry. Less than 10% of women diagnosed with breast cancer have a ‘Known’ family history. But looking at your family history do you really know the cause of death of your Great Grand Mother or Great Grand Father? More than 30 years ago cancer was lumped together if labeled at all. Stomach problems, women’s problems, wasting away were known causes of death before this generation. If your family heritage is from Iceland or Ashkenazi Jewish you are at a higher risk than the general public. If you notice a cancer trend in your family background would you take a genetic test? Could you do it for yourself or for your children?
Here is a good site on the topic; http://www.faceingourrisk.org/
6 comments:
Last week a caregiver at my daughter's daycare passed away quite suddenly from breast cancer. She was diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer only weeks earlier. Her mother had died just a couple years ago from breast cancer.
She was 28 years old.
Perhaps she would still be here if she had been tested. Or had at least had aggressive screenings.
If there is ANY history in your family it is never too early.
Hi Nicole,
That is very sad and it does raise the question for genetic testing. Hopefully if she has siblings they will be tested, for peace of mind or for screening for a future.
Thanks for your comments.
I'm surprised anyone who is afraid of the results wouldn't get tested. For me, the fear is more likely to spur me to be tested.
Thanks Janice for your comments. I agree with you, but many people prefer to be in the dark than informed!
The only thing that worries me about getting tested is that if these tests actually increase your risk of cancer. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer so we did a lot of research. I found that mammograms actually increase your risk which is why we learned that thermograms are better. This is what my mom uses to get regular check-ups. I would get tested but I would do a lot of extensive research first. I dont believe in doing things out of fear without being informed.
You are right Denisse about having the knowledge before you test.
Many doctors will request tests to be clear of various conditions but it is best to talk with your doctor prior to the test to be surre that you want it. Sometimes the costs of the tests are high or low but are they really needed is the question.
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