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

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

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

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