I have a strong family history of breast cancer that includes grandmothers and aunts on both my mother’s and father’s sides who were diagnosed and died as a result of the disease. I believe all but one grandmother were diagnosed young (30s). My only first-degree female family member—my mother—is 67 and (knock on wood) cancer free, which my healthcare providers have cited as a reason for me not be highly concerned about genetic susceptibility (i.e. BRCA1/2). Instead I’ve been advised to be vigilant about my screening practices (monthly self exams and yearly doctor’s visits) and plan to get regular mammograms in a few years (I’m now 32). I also pay attention to preventive dietary and lifestyle recommendations from clinical studies and try to incorporate this advice into my life. Beyond that, I think about starting mammograms early (maybe 35?) and also consider MRI screening.
I’d like to hear from anyone else with similar family history and concerns: What do you think about early screening and genetic testing? Any precautions you’re taking that I haven’t mentioned?
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Family history and early screening
- By Lucyfairfield
- Posted October 23, 2007 at 4:59 pm · 1 reply
- In Breast cancer
- Shared with the public
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1 reply
- By AGray
- Posted June 29, 2008 at 10:13 pm
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I really want to commend you for making lifestyle and dietary changes and recognizing the importance of that. My family has a strong history of post menopausal breast cancer. My maternal grandmother had it in her 70's. My mother has had it 3 different times, her first instance was in her 70's. I was diagnosed with Stage I breast cancer in the fall when I was 56. I and my doctor concurred that I get a double mastectomy. it was a mutual decision and one I knew I needed to make. Each person's journey is different. It's good that your mother is postmenopausal and cancer free. I'd say just as long as you have a good relationship with physicians you feel you can trust and who will work with you - that's what you need more than anything and follow their advice about screening practices at your age. I know my surgeon and I discussed my niece who is in her late 20's (I have no children) and he mentioned her starting mammograms earlier than usual, but that you don't want to start them too early. The one thing I did was go for genetics counseling which they offer here in Chattanooga at Memorial Hospital and I'd recommend you look into that because of your concerns. I actually at one point did a search on line for "genetic screening counselors" or something similar and found a site that listed their locations in the U.S. What they do is ask you questions about your life and your family history and they score you based on your replies. then, if you score high enough they recommend you go for the blood test for BRCA 1 or 2. I did not score high enough on the questioning to be sent for the blood test.
Take care. Don't live in fear, but don't live oblivious either - sounds like what you're doing is right on track.
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