Strong family history of breast cancer what should i do?
Hello everyone! I am just here to ask a few questions. I have a strong family history of breast cancer. My grandmother on my moms side had breast cancer. Five out of six of her daughters have had breast cancer. One of my cousins also was just diagnosed this year. My mother and only one of her sisters have passed away from the breast cancer. My mother was diagnosed at the age of 38 and passed at the age of 41 and her sister i think was 43. I have 2 children myself and just would like some advice on where to go from here? I am 24 years old and am just worried about my children's future. Any advice would be amazing thanks everyone
Sorry you have to be worried about this at your age, but it is good that you are taking an interest. Several things -
Regular monthly self exams, both feeling for changes and looking in the mirror with arms by your side as well as raised
Secondly, regular mammograms - you are NOT too young considering your family history.
Thirdly, talk to your doctor about getting the BRCA1 and BRCA 2 blood test - this is the genetic test to see if you carry the breast cancer gene. It is very expensive (average $3500) but many insurances will cover after given the number and unfortunately the death rates your family has experienced.
Fourth, eat healthy and naturally. Several types of cancer are hormone fed, both your own hormones as well as externally. Stay away from processed foods. Nitrates and Sugars are also of concern. Simple, basic, healthy eating is so important and is not emphasized as to how important it is. Little changes can make a big difference. (I eat red meat only once a month and from a local meat market, NOT chain store meats. Free roaming eggs - not from chickens that are hormone fed. No processed foods - packaged meals, processed meats , etc. Fresh or frozen veggies. Avoid sugars - I use small amounts of Agave Necter. Read packaging - organic sometimes means it is grown organic - but can be processed afterward.
Finally, educate yourself. Try to find out what type of breast cancer your family members had. Were they estrogen/progesteron positive or negative. Were they HER2 positive or negative. This will also help your doctor to determine how much of a risk you have. (Example, hormone positive B/C is more common, hormone negative is more aggressive and has a much higher genetic percentage. This information is helpful but don't stress if you can't find this information.
I hope this helps. There is a lot involved with this dreadful disease but it CAN be beat. Finding it early is important. Hopefully you will never find it but having a battle plan helps.
I can understand how you will worry - remember this, don't ruin today by worrying about tomorrow. Also, knowledge is power, attitude is everything.
Family history doesn't mean you will also get breast cancer.I also had family history and was diagnosed. However, my BRCA testing was Negative, to the surprise of my physicians.
Hope this helps!
First of all you need to stop worrying; enjoy your life to the fullest. Hopefully by the time you're kids get to your age they would have found a cure. All you can do is stay on top of your health; get regular check-ups and never put it off. Teach your kids how important taking care of themselves is important. Pray & keep the faith. We cannot control the cancer from coming but we can seek help to cure ourselves.
I was diagnosed with invasive DC in situ stage 2 breast cancer at 32 years old (2 years ago). I had no history of cancer in my family. If I were you I would get the BRACA I & BRACA II genetic test done. It is not covered by insurance but is well worth the money. Around $500 (with insurance). You have to ask yourself if you want to know if you have the gene that carries cancer. If you find out you have it then you can be proactive and possibly prevent it from happening to you. I would also tell your dr about the history and see if you could get a mamo at your young age. Remember breast cancer doesn't care how old you are. It is effecting younger women these days. If you get the BRACA testing done and it is in your genes then you know that your children should get tested too when they grow up. I just think it is better to know than not to know. Please keep us posted. Good luck. God Bless. 
Breast cancer survivor & a family history of breast cancer too. I read the others replies & Jenny001 said it best on the informational things you can do. I was told its the youngest person in the family living that does the genetic testing & in our family it was me. I didn't carry the gene which was a relief but do yourself breast exams regularly & .Stay positive, strong, exercise. I know its hard by try not to worry.
To answer your recent post.... NON hormonal (especially triple negative) is more aggressive. Mine was hormonal as well - so after my mastectomy and chemo, I had a hysterectomy to reduce my hormone levels (my cancer was 100% estrogen positive so the estrogen had to go). If breast cancer ductal and in situ (meaning its in site) has not spreadits better than non ductal and/or invasive.
Since you don't have insurance, you are indeed doing the right thing. There are many places that provide free mammograms. Keep looking. Check with your local cancer society - they may know of places to go.
And yes, study hard in college and you be the one who fines the cure. !
Good luck.
You might want to see a genetic counsellor & a breast care specialist. You should have yearly mammpgrams & breast exam by a Dr as well as monthly self exams. I also have a strong family hx my mother passed away @ 44 of breast & ovarian cancer, her sister passed away in her 50's, 3 cousins & a cousin daughter had mastectomies. I've seen a genetic counsellor & waiting for BRACA gene results, a hereditary breast cancer gene. I have to have yearly breast MRI's exams & watch my diet & wt. No alcohol.. Exercise 3-4 for 30 min a wk. I started yearly mammograms in my 30's. Good Luck. Educating yourself on breast cancer & how to prevent it is a good first step
Can we delete that....seriously.
I have BRCA2. If you come up positive, please visit my blog which links several other blogs on the topic. Even if you don't, there are still preventative measures you can do. Startingh here is a great start. I am sorry for your loses. I wish you all the best.
http://www.ponderingprevivor.com/
Should I be worried???
- Jilliebean87
on Jan. 22, 2012 at 1:16 PM