CommunityBrowse groupsBlogEtiquetteInvite Your friendsSuccess Stories

Lounge
Community 


Breast Cancer Gene

I am thinking of getting tested for the Breast Cancer Gene. My mom and her sister have had breast cancer. My mom has been cancer free for about 11 years. If I were to test positive I would probably choose the surgical route and get both breasts and my lymph nodes removed. I was wondering if anyone had been tested and what the cost was like. Thanks in advance for your help.

Tue. Mar 25, 12:14pm

Add comment  
Before you are tested, consider the type and severity of breast cancer that your family tends to have. I have a mother, both grandmothers, an aunt and 2 cousins who are survivors. My mother's oncologist says that because all of the cases were post menopausal and all responded to treatment (also, caught early) that I shouldn't even consider preventive surgery. That my chances of having it are almost a certainty, but that my lifestyle choices (never smoked, no b.c pills, exercise, low fat diet) give me a leg up that none of them had. My family history is enough to tell me that I probably have the gene, so getting tested would be a waste. Doctors often suggest genetic testing for women whose history includes treatment resistant, aggressive cancer.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008, 12:57 PM

Add comment
My mom and grandmother had it, but my mom's was post-menopausal. I was told (by a geneticist) that post-menopausal breast cancer is not usually genetically linked; it's only if the family members have it pre-menopausal that it is often genetic.

I chose to be tested anyway. My insurance covered a large portion of it, but I think I still ended up being responsible for about $100. Not really sure, b/c I was also having some Ashkenazi Jewish genetic testing done at the same time.

My best advice would be to get a recommendation for a geneticist, and call their office and tell them your family history, and get their recommendations. They can also tell you the tests that they'd run and how much they'd cost. With that information, you can then call your insurance and see if the tests would be covered, partially covered, or not covered.

Oh, my test results were negative - I do not have the gene. Even so, not having the gene means you have the same risk as the general population; it does not mean you have no risk.

My geneticist was fantastic - he took a lot of time to talk to me and explain what results would come back, and what any of the results would mean. If you live in Chicago, my doctor was Dr. Eugene Pergament; he specializes in reproductive genetics and he's through Northwestern Memorial hospital.

Tuesday, March 25, 2008, 1:17 PM

Add comment








Related Content:

How To Lose Weight- The Basics
Weight Watchers Points System
The Fat Smash Diet
The Eat To Live Diet
The Beck Diet Solution
How To Get The Motivation To Lose Weight

 

How To Be Successful Using PEERtrainer

How To Burn Fat
Online Weight Loss Support- How It Works
Does Green Tea Help You Lose Weight?
Tips On Using PEERtrainer
Visit The PEERtrainer Community
Diet and Fitness Resources

Fitness

Weight Watchers Meetings
Learning To Inspire Others: You Already Are
Writing Down Your Daily Workouts
Spending Money On A Personal Trainer?
How I Became A Marathon Runner

 

Preventive Health

How To Prevent Injuries During Your Workout
Flu Season: Should You Take The Flu Shot?
Are You Really Ready To Start PEERtrainer?
Super Foods That Can Boost Your Energy
Reversing Disease Through Nutrition

New Diet and Fitness Articles:

Weight Watchers Points Plus
How To Adjust Your Body To Exercise
New: Weight Watchers Momentum Program
New: PEERtrainer Blog Archive
Review Of The New Weight Watchers Momentum Program
 

Weight Loss Motivation by Joshua Wayne:

Why Simple Goal Setting Is Not Enough
How To Delay Short Term Gratification
How To Stay Motivated
How To Exercise With A Busy Schedule

Real World Nutrition and Fitness Questions

Can Weight Lifting Help You Lose Weight?
Are Protein Drinks Safe?
Nutrition As Medicine?
 

Everyday Weight Loss Tips

How To Eat Healthy At A Party
How To Eat Out And Still Lose Weight
The Three Bite Rule
Tips On How To Stop A Binge