Hi IM's
I have recently finished breastfeeding my 3 year old, who is our last baby. I always said that once I had finished I would get tested for the BRCA genes, as my mum passed away from breast cancer 25 years ago, when I was only 8.
I've read up a little bit, and it seems that as I don't have any living relatives with cancer that can be tested, I would have to opt for a private test starting at around $900. Is there anyone who has been tested through the government paid test, without a living relative involved? I don't have a full medical history of my mother, or any other family member, and no one alive left to ask anyway. $900 is a lot, and although I will eventually do it, if I didn't have to pay a lot of money that would be good.
Further to above, if you have been tested and found to have the faulty gene, did you choose to have a mastectomy, and if so where did you start that process? That will be the path I will take as I don't what to leave my children motherless as I was.
Thank you
BRCA gene testing
BRCA gene testing
Posted in:
Self Care, Health & Wellbeing
3 Replies
Hi there,
I have the BRCA gene, but was tested as my Mum tested positive, so the cost was covered. My history is a little different as my Mum had ovarian cancer (she lost her battle two years ago), her sister had Breast Cancer (is a survivor) and her brother had colon cancer (I think, and he is a survivor) and all cancer was detected when they each were around 45, so there was a strong link to start the research. I was 7 months pregnant at the time of my testing.
As for the preventative surgery, I started the discussion with my obstetrician after I had my second child. She was able to recommend good doctors and give me a referral. Since then I have had my ovaries removed via key hole surgery. We are currently in the planning stage for my mastectomy (planning for April next year) and in the mean time I am having tests every 6 months to check for breast cancer (alternate MRI and mammogram). Best wishes for your future health.
I have a strong history and with no living relatives am not eligible for testing. Even to pay to get testing done you have to see a genetic councilor first prior to testing.
Im still considering it and am struggling with the decision. Reality is i am a public patient and i have been told you cant have preventative surgery unless you pay for it privately.
Maybe see if you can talk to a genetic counsellor ? My mum had the tests done and was negative however her mum and sister also has breast cancer and also tested negative . We were told after that they only know of 2 faulty genes and this obviously is not the only cause of breast cancer . My mum was diagnosed when she was 35 so my sisters and I have been advised to start yearly mamagrams from 30 years old. If they ever found anything for me or I found out I had the faulty gene I'd get a double masectamy in a heart beat as like you would never want my kids to be motherless from something preventable . Maybe talk to your Gp about starting tests like ultra sounds or mamagrams for now if the cost of the genetic one is too much ? All the best mumma ! And so sorry that you lost your mum so young !