Family History of Breast Cancer thread ?

[PGTlatte]

My aunt has just recently been diagnosed with breast cancer at 66, and she has uncovered that it runs in the family; three of her maternal cousins also had it. (This took some research because they had lost touch with these relatives for a long time.) She has been told her that her sons need to check themselves for it, because men can get it too, and that all of her female relatives are now in a high-risk group, including her grandaughter and two nieces.

I would like to read and discuss dealing with the family history and higher risk with others who are in this situation. Is there a thread/tribe for this somewhere ?

Thanks !

[pianojazzgirl]

Not sure if there's already a thread somewhere, but I'll add myself to this one!

My mom had breast cancer when she was in her mid-forties. Her mom died of ovarian cancer. So statistically speaking I'm at greater risk. I haven't done anything about it yet though.

I'm sorry to hear about your aunt's diagnosis. I hope she is doing ok.

[PGTlatte]

Thank you. She recently started chemo and will have a mastectomy soon. I am sad she is going through this.

Her mother also had ovarian cancer discovered at 79. It turned out to be very slow-growing. She had removal and radiation and it had not spread anywhere. She is still going strong today at almost 98 !

But, having a grandmother with a history of ovarian cancer and now an aunt with breast cancer changes things for me. My aunt also uncovered more cases of female cancers in the cousins on her mother's side of the family. I had never considered myself high risk before. I am 40. It is a lot to think about.

[ILoveMyBabyBird]

My aunt had breast cancer at the age of 49, she went through chemo and has recovered. My aunt has not undergone the BRAC testing to see if it is genetic or not. My mom died of cervical cancer at the age of 44.

I used to think that I was at low risk for breast cancer because I didn't have large breasts, but I am not so sure anymore. From my research i am finding that i am at a pretty high risk for it.

Risk factors: early onset of menses, I was 11. Family history. Possible estrogen dominance. Even one study suggested uneven breast size increases chances of breast cancer, which I also have. Unknown family history on my fathers side, i don't have any contact with my paternal family so this pretty much increases my risk for everything as i don't know what runs in the family.

Things I am doing to decrease my risk factors: limiting dairy products, losing weight and excersizing, I am down 20 pounds so far, and hoping for another 10-20 more. I have decreased my weight percentage by about 11% so far. I am going to do monthly breast exams, which I never did consistently before.

[BethSLP]

Hugs to anyone with this in the family. Its so difficult.

My sweet cousin was just diagnosed at age 27. She had to wean her son last weekend (age 4 months) to begin treatment. She has the BRCA gene (as does her mother and sister). Mother is a survivor.

I'd recommend getting tested for the BRCA gene. Its good to know if you are a carrier.

XOXO
B

[PGTlatte]

I am wondering if it is possible to be tested for the gene but have the results be confidential or even anonymous ?

I also have very mixed feelings about mammograms. I read an article saying that some experts believe that the radiation from frequent mammograms actually increases the risk in high-risk patients. Unfortunately I do not have the article. I had a baseline mammogram last year. I have not decided how frequently I want to have them. My aunt found her lump on her own. Unfortunately it had spread to a lymph node in her armpit already.

It really bugs me that there is no screening for early stage ovarian cancer (is there) ?

[kjbrown92]

My paternal grandmother had it in her 80s (post-menopause). My mother had it in her 40s (pre-menopause). The pre-menopause/post-menopause designation is more important than the age, I believe. I had the BRAC test because of the history, and mine was negative. I'm 41 and have been getting mammograms since I was 35. I'm thinking about also getting a baseline ultrasound.

My kids have it worse though. Besides my side of the family.... DH's aunt just had a double mastectomy, chemo & radiation (she's in her 60s, post-menopausal). Her mother (my kids' great-grandmother) died of breast cancer when she (his aunt) was 8yo (the mother was in her 40s). She got the BRAC test and it was negative (so obviously that doesn't necessarily mean that you're "safe"). Also DH's mother's mother had "female cancer" (nobody has a clue whether it was cervical or ovarian) and died in her 40s. So my kids have it all over the place in their tree. Knowledge is power. I've got a spreadsheet of family health issues.

[JessicaS]

Originally Posted by laundrycrisis

I am wondering if it is possible to be tested for the gene but have the results be confidential or even anonymous

Unfortunately there isn't that I am aware of. The test is pretty expensive (about $4000) so you would definitely have to pay out of pocket if you wanted it anonymous.

The person I am seeing recommended getting whatever life insurance and such you plan on getting before getting the genetic test because a positive result makes it a lot more expensive.

[JessicaS]

Hello!

My youngest sister was diagnosed with breastcancer and celebrated her 30th birthday recovering from a double mastectomy.

My sisters and I all had screening, I am breastfeeding so I had an ultrasound.

[zjandosmom]

I was diagnosed at 39 with breast cancer. I spent my 40th b-day recovering from a double mast. I breastfed my 4 children for over 10 years straight. My dd had self-weaned only a few months before I found my lump. 2 of my Dad's 3 sisters have had bc, his grandmother, and 1st couisin. I did do the gene testing (I qualified because of fam history) and it is expensive but covered by insurance. I tested negative but was advised to do it again in 5-10 yrs when they know more. Geneticist did feel there was a genetic component for me. I have been the youngest in our family to have this. It sucks and I worry for my dd. I will be starting radiation soon. Cancer sucks.

[PGTlatte]

Originally Posted by zjandosmom

I will be starting radiation soon. Cancer sucks.

I am sorry you are going through this.