Genetic testing for Cancer? Would you want to know?

[TotallyTart]

  I've always know there was genetic testing for cancer. But would you want to know if you are carrying a gene that could possibly mean you have a certain percentage chance of developing cancer over you lifetime?

  I honesty never thought about it before. Till my Doctor suggested I be tested, the same day he found a lump in my breast. In shock from the findings I agreed. Turns out they don't know what the lump is after testing. And yesterday my Doctors office called and my Genetic Test results are in.

 Now I'm not sure if I want to know... I mean if I have the genes there is nothing I can do to change that. Sure I can take preventive steps to help from getting Cancer. But either way there are no guarantees. And even if you have the gene it doesn't mean you will for sure develop cancer here is a clip from a website on some results.... (BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the genes for cancer)

According to estimates of lifetime risk, about 13.2 percent (132 out of 1,000 individuals) of women in the general population will develop breast cancer, compared with estimates of 36 to 85 percent (360-850 out of 1,000) of women with an altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene. In other words, women with an altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene are 3 to 7 times more likely to develop breast cancer than women without alterations in those genes. Lifetime risk estimates of ovarian cancer for women in the general population indicate that 1.7 percent (17 out of 1,000) will get ovarian cancer, compared with 16 to 60 percent (160-600 out of 1,000) of women with altered BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. No data are available from long-term studies of the general population comparing the cancer risk in women who have a BRCA1 or BRCA2 alteration with women who do not have an alteration in these genes. Therefore, these figures are estimated ranges that may change as more research data are added.

for more information on testing and results here is the website this came from

http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/risk/brca

Sure my results could be negative or positive but either way what does that change, knowing negative that would be wonderful less worry... Okay I'm a worry wort, so knowing positive I don't know if I'm strong enough to keep telling myself I still may not develop cancer. Just because I would have it still doesn't mean I will get it....

I have family history of cancer, my grandfather, his father, my grandmother and few others all from my fathers side of the family have died from some form of cancer. So I have a pretty high change that I carry the gene....

Would you be strong enough if your result was positive.?

Would you want to know?

Let me know what you think and why?

  Hugs and much love, Lisa

 

[MichelleLPSchel]

Jan. 21, 2009 at 11:01 AM

My mom died of breast cancer at the age of 52.  As an afterthought we tested her for the BRCA genes, and yes she has BRCA2.  So my entire family was also tested.  Because of her dying so young (before the age of 55) I am already at an increased risk factor.  Fortunately I do not have the gene, but my aunt does.  So she got her breasts removed and later her ovaries so decrease her chances of cancer.  (at the age of 55). 

As for me, I'm never going to have a mammogram.  My oncologist will start breast MRI's at the age of 35 on me. 

So yes, prevention is more than half the battle, and you can't prevent if you don't know.

[TotallyTart]

Jan. 21, 2009 at 11:16 AM

I think you can prevent it even if you don't know,,, I think everyone should take steps to prevent cancer whether they know they carry the gene or not...that would be the smart thing to do because each gene test cost 5,000 dollars and not all insurance will cover the testing...hugs, Lisa

(Original Poster)

[TessLouise]

Jan. 21, 2009 at 11:35 AM

My thought would be that I would want to know Lisa.  Because knowing gives you the opportunity to fight it full force . . . I agree prevention in general is a good thing.   But if you actually know I can see how you would really be able to focus on it and take EVERY step to prevent it.

And you are strong enough to face this possibility.   It may take a few days but you will find a place to put this information . . . a place where you will believe that you can take such good care of yourself and lessen the chances of getting cancer.    Let us know what happens.   ((((((((Lisa))))))))

[lalisweet1]

Jan. 21, 2009 at 12:13 PM

I was genetic testing for Diabetics because my bro had it at the age of 16.

Learned that I'm a carrier of the genetic, like my mom.  However, my dad has the gene that can pass on kids to get diabetic which cause by a virus.  It's hard to explain.

No, I did not have my kids genetic testing for diabetic... I just watch their diet and keep track of their viruses.

[Feridust]

Jan. 21, 2009 at 2:18 PM

I've had several family members who died of cancer, but honestly I would not want to have the genetic testing. I worry so much about medical things as it is and if the test was positive I feel I'd worry even more. But that said, I don't live in a state of denial either.  Like you said Lisa, you can take steps to cut the risk of cancer through healthy life choices and along with getting annual check ups.

But if the genetic test were positive, it's true Lisa that it doesn't mean it will happen. I'm a firm in the fact that positive thoughts and emotions play a big part in staying healthy. Sending love to you :)

[Feridust]

Jan. 21, 2009 at 2:18 PM

I meant to say firm believer, lol

[stephland3]

Jan. 21, 2009 at 2:24 PM

My Mom is currently going through treatment for breast cancer and many in my family have had a form of cancer. I would want to know. I am all about the earliest care and preventative care.

It would be very scary for me to find out the results but I feel like I am even more scared not knowing. Good luck with everything. I am sending lots of love and prayers your way:)