Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer/ Ovarian Cancer Gene

[magenta321]

Have any of you given much thought to the BRCA test -- the genetic test for Breast and Ovarian cancer?

I've been thinking a lot about it lately. Whenever I see some marketing for it again it convinces me I need to get it.

A coworker was just advised to get it but she decided against it.

It's not a test that I see doctors or doctor's family members having (as opposed to something like Cardiac CT Angiograms, which I know doctors and their families are getting a lot of). When I'm not sure about my own health care, I often ask my doctors "what would you do if I was your family member, and not your patient."

It's something I might not want to know. If I am a carrier for the gene, what would I do differently? Would I get a mastectomy? No. Would I get mammograms? Yes. But I'd do that anyway. If I knew I was going to be at a greater risk for cancer, I think I'd freak out even more often, and very emotionally. Do I want to put myself through that mental anguish over something that is only an increased possibility of having it?

It seems like it is something that life insurance companies (but probably not health insurance companies) could ask patients if they had. If they asked me the results, and I was a carrier, I would either have to disclose that or lie. Could I lie? Would I get caught?

It seems to me like it's more trouble than it's worth, but yet, every time I see a little bit of marketing, I feel like "I need to get this" all over again. How do you feel about this testing? Have any of you had it?

Please don't construe any of my comments above as medical advice. If you are considering this testing, talk it over with your doctor and make your own informed decision. I am just explaining my own thoughts on the matter.

[jgibson2[$]]

Did your mom have the test done? Is she a carrier? If the answer to both of those questions is yes, then I'd probably have the test done - and then freak out either way, because I'd be afraid that insurance companies could probably find out what the results are.

My mom had colon cancer AFTER I did. They tested her to see if she was a carrier - she's not. I'm not bothering with the test, because it isn't likely to tell me anything I don't already know, which is that I'm at higher risk of colon, breast, and ovarian cancers. Screening - the only way to go.

[emeleel]

I wouldn't mind having the test done since I don't know my medical history. (Although I'm considering getting updated non-disclosing records for my own peace of mind.) But I think I would only do it if they will pass laws that results of tests cannot be held against you when getting insurance coverage.

[pippadaisy[$]]

Absolutely positively not.

[mjfrombuffalo[$]]

Curious but probably won't, for the same reasons Melanie gave.

[lynnzop[$]]

I won't, simply because there's no history in our family, so I don't see a reason.

If there was though, I absolutely would do it. I would rather know and take action over not knowing.