Share your story of Genetic Testing
Comments
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What led you to doing the testing?
Was very pressured by my breast specialist who does my yearly screenings. Mom had trip neg at 42 and survived. Zero cancer in her family, and she tested negative for mutations. Nevertheless, my doctor still wanted me to test.
What were your results, and what choices have you made based on the findings?
Negative for all BC mutations. Positive for heterogenous MUTYH. Doesn't chance my choices. Still continuing with my regular every-6-month BC screening based on family history and breast density. Will follow recommendations for colonoscopies, as already planned.
Was payment an issue? Paid cash, $300
How have you discussed these decisions with your family?
I let my sister know that I was having genetic testing and offered to share the results with her if you wants. I'll share with my kids eventually, but its not relevant at their ages.
What suggestions would you have for others?
ASK YOUR DOCTOR what he/she plans to test you for prior to submitting to genetic testing. My doctor, without my knowledge, checked for mutations in 81 different genes, most of which had nothing to do with BC, and some that, should I had been positive, have no actionable risk reductions. Make sure you are prepared for the implications of your results. Some doctors believe that everyone should know everything that they possibly can about their genetic mutations. Make sure you agree with them, before testing. Get some good genetic counseling on these issues before you decide to test, to evaluate what you do want to know, and what you don't.
Also, be aware that the technology to identify gene mutations seems to surpass the medical community's ability to interpret the meaning of those findings.
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I met w a PA when my MO was out sick. She recommended I do the testing. PA lead me to believe I fully qualified, insurance on board.
I met with the woman in charge of the testing and she told me my insurance fights it all the way. But she believed I'd still qualify for some, she was used to fighting w my insurance company. I had my blood drawn, 5 vials, we made the follow-up 5 weeks out, to cover for denial and fight.
Results of a 27 genetic panel testing, all negative. I had mixed feelings - negatives BRCA 1 & 2, and I still had BC. So you're not home free on anything, you just don't have the gene mutations for known cancers.
Payments amounted to 3 copays, total $60 out of pocket.
I let my family & close friends know the results. Prior to testing I had to fill out a family history on both parents sides. In doing so I realized my father's 3 brothers and my dad all had heart issues. The uncle's had passed when I was a kid, too young to attend the first 2 funerals but I knew of their deaths. It wasn't until this family history paperwork that I realized this. Back when I started Anastrozole, I started seeing a cardiologist, and I'm scheduled for a "calcium score" CT of my heart on 10/2. I'll make sure to tell my Dr of my enlightenment on family history.
Suggestions for others - I'd say it's a mixed bag. Mine being all negative didn't give me any great jubilation. Had they come back with some positive results, as some friends have had, it just makes you more aware to be tested in those areas. Example - one friend had markers for colon & pancreatic cancers. Colon, you can increase your colonoscopy testing to yearly or more frequent if your Dr says so. But pancreatic, usually people don't know they have it until it's stage 4. Unsure how to look for it more carefully (there may be a way, I just don't know it). I believe she's sorry she had the testing.
After my blood draw, and during the 5 week wait, I did wonder what was I getting myself into. Did I really want to know....yes, but...a thousand buts.
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I'm a 38 year old female, 3 kids with no history of breast cancer on either side of my family. My father's side has many cases of pancreatic cancers, breast cancers in half cousins, my great grandmother died of ovarian cancer in her 80's.
What led you to doing the testing? My father's half sister was urged to have the testing for a BRCA gene mutation. Her test came back positive for BRCA2. It was recommended she tell all of her relatives to have the testing as well.
What were your results, and what choices have you made based on the findings? Although there was a high presence of different cancers on my father's side, my aunt and my father were half siblings leading me to believe my chances would be lower. Unfortunately, I tested positive for BRCA2 last year at the age of 37. I took my results to MD Anderson and began high risk testing while deciding if I wanted to take more preventative measures. In June of this year, I had both fallopian tubes removed and one ovary. Because of my age, my doctors didn't want me to go into menopause this early. I also enrolled in a trial that studies the removal of fallopian tubes in order to decrease the risk of ovarian cancer. I will go ahead and have the other ovary removed when given the clearance around age 45-50.
Was payment an issue? I think I paid $200-$300 for the testing, not an issue.
How have you discussed these decisions with your family? I've went back and forth on different treatment options. I immediately wanted to have everything removed, then decided against a preventative mastectomy and now am finally planning to go ahead with that surgery after the new year. My husband really wanted me to take away as much risk as possible, but I had to come to the conclusion on my own.
What suggestions would you have for others? Give yourself time to make decisions regarding permanent decisions. High risk testing is always available until you are ready to make a definite decision either way.
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Dear Brook3R,
Welcome and thank you so much for sharing your story. We are wishing you the best and a speedy recover after your mastectomy surgery. Keep us posted on how things go for you. We appreciate as do our members the time that you have taken to post your genetic testing experiences.
The Mods
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Welcome Brook3R: I'm glad you got your results and are proceeding cautiously. The Cancers caused by BRCA2 usually happen later in life, around menopause. Also, one of the studies I read, the ovarian cancer in BRCA2+ patients usually starts in the Fallopian tubes (ovaries and Fallopian tubes come from the same stem cells).
Since you're 38, you have some time to think about your options. And now that you know you're positive, you and your doctors will be able to screen early for breast and ovarian cancers.
Best wishes, Mominator
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What led you to doing the testing?
Family history of cancers. Mother and both of her sisters had breast cancer in their 40s. Mom had it in both breasts at different times. My maternal grandmother also had it and died by about 55 from complications. Maternal grandfather had prostate cancer as well as multiple cancers found after he passed from kidney issue.
I had one scare about 5 yrs ago of lump that was biopsied and found benign.
What were your results, and what choices have you made based on the findings?
BRCA 1 mutation
Talked to doctor about extra screening. Plan so far is to alternate mammogram and MRI every 6 months. And have been referred to a High Risk Brest Clinic. Though that appt. isn't until July as that was earliest they had. Primary doc is very concerned about ovarian cancer risks so have been thinking about options there too.
Was payment an issue?
Will cost me about $180 after insurance.
How have you discussed these decisions with your family?
I'm a single gal so walking this path mostly alone. Parents and aunts know about test and have been supportive in decision to get it as well as willing to give advice of their experiences.
What suggestions would you have for others?
It's difficult knowledge to sit with and sort of feels like a ticking clock. Be mindful going in that you can't unknow the results once you have them and it may cause some sleepless nights. For me it was was worth it as docs haven't wanted to start mammos as I'm 39 (even with family history) and with this test I have been more empowered to advocate for better screening.
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Dear Simone, I am a 5 year BC survivor (mastectomy left; stage 2B). After learning that my sister (uterine and ovarian cancers) and 1st cousin (breast cancer) both tested positive for VUS genes, my oncologist had me undergo more extensive genetic testing to plan out the next 5 years of treatment etc. I just found out that I have a pathogentic ATM mutation. I am waiting to meet with my oncologist and genetic counselor---but my first instinct is that I want a prophylactic mastectomy; having read your story I wonder about BSO and hysterectomy. Do you have links for any of the research that suggests link to uterine cancer, ovarian, etc? That would be great. Hope you are still doing well.
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Hi Jess1965!
Dang! Just tried to post link. Google “Dr. David Euhus ATM" Article is “A New Trio Of Genes Enters The Risk Assessment Equation In Hereditary Breast Cancer."
This article is authored by my BS. My genetic counselor at JHH stated the link to ovarian. My genetic testing results for my ATM mutation lists ovarian.
For uterine, my GYN Onc at JHH states she sees a link and my sister had uterine. I do not know that there are firm studies yet but my whole team and my insurance all were just fine with taking uterus along with ovaries and tubes. My GYN Onc says she prefers to take uterus in ATM'ers having BSO.
Being post menopausal, I was fine with everything being taken. Guessing by your name, we are close in age. I am 53 and active. The recovery is longer adding uterus to BSO but I am hoping that a few extra weeks of downtime can help lead me to a long and healthy life.
Reach out anytime! Take good care!
Edited to add... my MO was strongly in favor of BSO as ovarian cancer has poor screening and poor prognosis. Being post menopausal and ER+, he recommended taking ovaries and tubes. With my sister’s uterine cancer diagnosis, all MD’s recommended adding uterus.
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Thanks so much for this info, Simone. This is really helpful. I'll let everyone know how this all plays out. Wishing you good health and Happy Thanksgiving! Jess
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All the best to you too, Jess1965!
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What led you to do testing?
When diagnosed at age 40 I was tested for brac 1/2 and was negative. I recently found out that a relative was positive for palb2 and my MO referred me for expanded testing so that she would know if there are additional cancers she should be screening me for.
What were the results and any choices made as a result?
I found out I have a pathogenic palb2 mutation and a vus rad51c (likely benign). The Dr who did the testing recommended MRCP pancreatic screening due to elevated risk of pancreatic cancer. I said ok and then did "research" (google) and found out it's probably not really worth screening...but the mrcp came back with some findings anyway. Dr says it's very unlikely to be cancer but will be doing EUS with possible biopsy because the pancreas is a "bad actor" so you want to make sure to get anything that could turn into cancer... in terms of breast cancer, I've already had a bilateral mastectomy and am taking anastrazole so not sure the palb2 will impact my treatment now.
Was payment an issue?
No, I was fortunate. Insurance fully covered.
Have you discussed the results with your family?
Yes. My kids are still young but will share when they are older so that they can make decisions around testing and screening.
What other suggestions would you have?
Not an issue for me because I already have a history of cancer but the genetics counselor did caution that results could potentially impact a person's ability to get insurance, so as unfair as that is, it may be worth looking into that first. Also be prepared for the geneticist to downplay likelihood of positive result even if you have a strong family history of cancer... I sort of felt talked down to about diet, exercise etc until she realized I had a personal history of breast cancer and a relative with a positive test...
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I have paid cash for mammograms since age 31 (39 now) since I was "too young" for a referral to get one through insurance. Every October our local radiologist have a special $75 cash price for mamma's. I have an alarming family health history of several invasive cancers on both sides of my family. BC being the highest. In the fall of 2018 I begged my obgyn to refer me for one, once again listing the family members that have passed from BC and others. She finally caved after much back and forth discussion and tears and sent me. I went in and had it done finally, and hadn't heard anything so I thought I was ok again. New years day 2019 I get a call from the radiologist (while on vacation w my family) that they found something suspicious and to come in ASAP for another mammogram and ultrasound. My heart sank.
My whole life I knew I was a ticking timebomb. Everyone seems to have had and passed from BC, ovarion, colorectal, skin, brain. Already had hysterectomy at 36. The follow up mammo and ultrasound led to biopsy. Biopsy was negative for cancer but suspicious (??), just cystic breast disease, but my cysts dont dissolve or reabsorb. Grow until painful or removed due to suspicious mass. So then I meet with my breast surgeon. She sends me for genetic counselling because she is concerned over family history. Found out I have a TP53 mutation. Makes so much sense looking through family history! I had my double mastectomy in Oct of 2019. Took from Feb to Oct to get insurance approval for my surgery. Surgery day was my birthday. Found out on Thursday evening that I was having surgery, and Tuesday morning had it done. I had complications during surgery ( immediate necrosis and conomicstions with both expanders, 6 hour surgery), tired hyperbaric chamber therapies. Fast forward exactly a month to the day later and admitted through ER due to sepsis- strep infection in my blood. Never had been so sick in my life. I had no clue how serious it was. Expander and tissue on the bad side removed along w alloderm removal. Was on mega meds for 6 days. February 2020 i had surgery to put in right side expander with 100 cc filled (both sides)in OR with a synthetic version of alloderm. This Wednesday should be my last fill (currently 320 cc and awkward looking- one non existant, 1 funny shaped- can feel it more on ribs deeper inside like its positioned oddly) and discuss TE swap to implant with fat grafting. I didnt have much tissue to begin with and expansions have been so painful. PS says to not judge final outcome by expanders. But, I am scared. My boobs now look like 2 different aliens. I'm not as big as I was before yet, and I dont see how I have enough tissue to expand any more. Or to have a larger implant.
My husband and close friends have been so supportive and loving- Praise the Lord! My parents aren't. Mom has had countless lumpectomies and no genetic counseling. Each lumpectomy is done by her obgyn and a general surgeon. She wasnt referred to our cancer center for care like I was. It's not a competition but honestly I feel it is. Not much discussion or support there, just always a backhanded compliment or dig and eye roll. I wouldnt judge someone else for being proactive and preventing life changing health issues.
I feel so guilty for needing to talk (crying as I type) because I wasn't diagnosed, and so many others are far off worse than I am. Now all of my doctors are specialist and oncologist. My mutant (ninja turtle) gene "qualifies" me for aggressive monitoring. Working with my new gyno oncologist to decide if ovaries are to be removed.
I'm grateful for the knowledge and attention my mutation brings, but instead of relief I feel guilt and now anxiety over not just my future, but my children's futures. As I have mention my husband and close friends listened to my wants and needs, and supported my decision in the mastectomy and reconstruction, loved me through all of it. I feel like I have had complication after complication. Is this punishment? Is there pride and sisterhood being a previvor? Is it offensive to those diagnosed?? One previvor broke it down like this... if you had a 93% (insert your risk number here) chance of being killed in a car crash, would you drive that day? No, I would not. My parents response to that question.... well it depends on where I needed to go that day. *Jaw on floor*
I started this journey because I believe in being empowered as a woman to take charge where you can of your health. I did this for my children (10 and 13). I want to watch them grow and hold their hand and love them through any of their life trials. I pray the do not have the mutation.
I watched countless blogs and vlogs, researched incessantly. I feel confident in my decision, but that nagging guilt. Scared to complain, scared of the future, scared for my children's health. Is Li-Fraumeni syndrome a secret? I find it so odd and wrong that I begged for insurance paid mammograms for years, but now- hey I can have a mastectomy and reconstruction. Trying to finish this process before our insutsnce expires. Thankful for insurance and only paying copays.
My suggestion for anyone going through any of this is make a list or journal of questions. Knowing now how common complication are, I want others to know it isnt an easy surgery and then sudden recovery. Always talk to your care teams and ask honest questions. Research and talk to other survivors or those with your mutations. I'm one that needs to know all contingency plans to plan accordingly.
Sorry for the lengthy post. Sending you all my love and prayers. So thankful to find this site ♡
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Cali I think you are a powerful, beautiful warrior!!! You made difficult choices to plan for your future and that takes such courage. I am sorry you have had such horrible complications beyond the emotional impact as you travel this path. Believe in yourself, keep pushing forward, I hope things get better very soon.
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Hi CaliLove - Welcome to the BCO community, although we are sorry that your cancer story brought you here. We hope that you will stay active and continue to share your experiences with our members. We're here for you!
The Mods
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Thank you. I'd love to hear from other women with Li Frauneni Syndrome and those that have had preventative mastectomies because of it. ♡
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Thank you Rah2464
I greatly appreciate the kind words. Well, another co location and now next week I have my expander to implant swap and all the clean up. Optimistic. ♡♡
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i'm sorry that this is such a long post, i tried to be concise but wanted to include all the important facts and history.
i have recently decided to tell my story. i was first diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer in march 2001. dcis in one breast and stage one invasive ductal ca in other breast (er/pr+ her2-) i was 45 years old at the time, still considered on the young side for breast cancer.. my history at that time was my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 43, stage 1, negative nodes at the time of diagnosis, but two years later had bone mets and died 10 years after initial breast cancer diagnosis. in addition my mothers sister had breast cancer IDC in her early 60's and 8 years later diagnosed with ILC that was discovered because of metastatic disease. She died a few weeks after my initial diagnosis in 2001. my family is Ashkenazi Jewish and of course with that history i went for genetic counseling and although the genetic counselor was sure i would be BRCA positive, but i wasnt. i was told at the time, they are sure i have a genetic cause of the cancer, but they just havent identified what the gene is yet. about 9 years ago my daughter was diagnosed with DCIS at age 32. a year later she had DCIS in her other breast. of course because of my daughters age they did full genetic testing on her, but all came back negative. genetic counseling suggested i come in again because lots of new genes have been identified and perhaps they will find one that they can identify as being responsible for my breast cancer. they were doing research on a bunch of different genes, i forget how many, but i told them i only wanted to be tested for genes that cause breast or ovarian cancer. (i have 3 daughters, including the one with the breast cancer and wanted to get as much info as i could for them). results come back and i was found to have Lynch Syndrome MSH 6 -a mismatch repair gene. Lynch is most often associated with colon cancer, and gastric cancer but there are other cancers it is responsible for including ovarian, uterine, kidney, bladder, pancreas and some others. At that time it was not thought that MSH 6 is Associated with breast cancer, but now they do consider it a risk factor for breast cancer. No one in my family had colon cancer or any other type of cancer, except for my fathers sister who died of a very aggressive pancreatic cancer (she died 2 week after diagnosis). my father was still alive and he agreed to be tested and he came back positive for lynch syndrome MSH6 - My father never had any of the cancers associated with MSH6 and he is now almost 90 and still has not had any of those cancers. his parents did not have any history of cancer and neither did any maternal and paternal aunts and uncles, of which there were 5 on his fathers side and 11 on mothers side.
i really didnt get anxious about the lynch syndrome, after all my father never had any cancer and in his family history there really was no other cancers. it was not known if my aunt (his sister) had MSH6 but she did have pancreatic cancer. also i already had my ovaries out because of the breast cancer, and subsequently had a hysterectomy as well, for uterine prolapse, so those two cancers i wasnt worried about. and at that time MSH6 wasnt felt to be a risk factor for breast cancer. as for colon cancer i was told to get a colonoscopy every 1-2 years and upper gi endoscopy every 2-3 years an thats what i was doing. i was also told to tell my siblings about the gene and to strongly advise them to get tested as well. neither of them ( my 2 brothers ) were tested. i was already considered high risk for breast cancer because of my personal and family history and my breast surgeon was sending me for mammogram every year alternating with MRI of breast 6 months after mammogram. last year around jan/feb 2019 i developed severe back pain, i already was diagnosed with spinal stenosis, so i thought the pain was from the the spinal stenosis getting worse, also in february 2019 i went for my yearly breast MRI and a suspicious lesion was found. biopsy was positive for IDC again. ER+PR-, HER2-. stage 1, grade 3. i also had micro invasion of sentinal lymph node, and lots of lympho vascular invasion. Oncotype was 28, which is in that "gray" area and given my history it was recommended to have chemo, but by that time my back pain was so severe that i would wake up at night and say to myself, this must be what metastatic disease in back feels like. MRI of back (because of the increase in pain) before i even started chemo showed multiple vertebrae with metastatic disease. i was given radiotherapy to a few of vertebrae that were the most affected. unfortunately most of the back pain did not resolve. i was started on letrozole and ibrance, i had continued back pain and after 4 months pet scan and repeat mri showed increase in mets in vertebrae and one area of metastatic disease that was starting to impinge on my spinal cord. had surgery to put in some rods and screws, because the vertebrae were full of cancer and they were afraid of them collapsing. i also had radiosurgery for the "leftover" breast cancer cells. genetic testing done on the pathology from that surgery showed, mismatch repair MSH6. i was taken off the letrozole and ibrance, they werent working anyway and started on keytruda, (immunotherapy.) fortunately, keytruda is like a miracle for me, after 5 treatments pet scan showed no active disease. had another pet scan 6 months later and i am still NAD. before i was started on keytruda i was told that my tumor was very aggressive, most likely from the mismatch repair/MSH6. So i actually have this breast cancer from my fathers side of the family. my first breast cancer, was likely to be from my mothers side.
story not over. if you will recall, my brothers did not go for genetic testing for lynch syndrome. last august 2019, only 6 months after my breast cancer diagnosis, one of my brothers was diagnosed with gastric cancer. his initial chemo didnt work, and his tumor also has the MSH6,mismatch repair. he too is on keytruda right now. after 6 months, his cancer is still present in stomach (less though), but no longer in liver and peritoneum. his onclolgist is very happy with how the keytruda is working on him and we are both continuing to get it.
so the take away lesson here is to follow up on genetic causes of cancer, they are finding more and more genes associated with breast and other cancers. and encourage family member to get tested as well. ( i had told my brothers several times to get tested, they chose to ignore me, as did my sister in law, who didnt seem to think it was very important). i dont know if my brothers cancer would have been found earlier, before mets to liver, but it may have, because he would have been paying more attention to his GI symptoms (which he told me he had for several months before he went for evaluation).
fortunately only one of my 3 daughters carries the MSH6 gene. she is already being monitored (she is now 32 years old). i'm not sure if she will opt to have a hysterectomy and oophorectomy when she finishes having her children. she will need to discuss with her genetic counselors. i know she has thought about bilateral mastectomy with reconstruction - probably in a few years.
i hope this all makes sense, please feel free to ask any questions.
terri
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Mods, This is NOT a story to share for a project or page,
But I want to say hello to Terri and let her know that I hold the MSH6 mutation responsible for breast cancer in my case and in a first-degree relative. In both cases it is ILC. (There is also colon and skin cancer in the line.) When I was diagnosed while Premenopausal in 2011, I KNEW there was a genetic cause, but they only tested me for BRCA. After the mets diagnosis, MSH6 showed up in a genomic test on tumor. So I asked for genetic testing, and sure enough the MSH6 mutation was germline; that is, inherited.
Although there is now plenty of evidence that some Lynch genes, MSH6 and PMS2 in particular, are implicated in breast cancer, these genes are not yet on the standard breast cancer gene panels. You need a broader panel or an add-on to test for them. There is also growing evidence that ILC in particular is related to the Lynch gene mutations, so I think anyone diagnosed with ILC should get tested for Lynch. Out of seven family members tested so far, we have four positive for MSH6. Two with ILC, and two being closely monitored.
Knowledge is power. I am so glad Keytruda is working for you and your brother, Terri.
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Thank you for sharing SP. I just checked my report from Aug. 2019 when I was diagnosed with ILC and I paid out of my pocket to get tested for 84 gene mutations, all came back negative. I went back today after reading your post and it seems that in the list of 84 genes, MSH1, MSG2, MSG3, MSG6, PMS2 were tested. I have two kids and I want them to know what genes they get from my side. You are a wise Lady with lots of knowledge and experience and I appreciate sharing with us.
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I had stage 2B BC in 2009, a large precancerous lesion in my rectum, June 2020 and as the result of a recommended screening of my ovaries and uterus in July 2020, a cancerous bladder mass was discovered.
I did genetic testing and found I am negative for everything. This makes me incredibly happy for my family, but mind boggling for me.
Guess it’s just bad luck.
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Hello,
I was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. I did have genetic testing done. I wasn't thinking how doing this would effect me mentally. I was found to be positive for the CHEK2 mutation. No one in my family has ever had breast cancer, but there are lots of other cancers in my family. I am told CHEK2 is linked to breast, colon, and prostate. It is still being studied, apparently, and I am told they believe it is also linked to thyroid, kidney, pancreatic and leukemia. It's all extremely overwhelming for me. My daughter was 7 when she passed from leukemia, and my mind has been spinning since I found out these results.
I have horrible thyroid issues and have for about 20 years. I do see my specialist every 3 months.
I am wondering who else has the CHEK2 gene and did it change your treatment??
Thank you!
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My oldest daughter, 52 found out recently she has breast cancer, has had a double mastectomy and is now starting chemo. She had the genetic testing done and was found positive for ATM genetic mutation.
I was just informed by my younger daughter - age 48 - she has done the genetic testing and has also been found to have the ATM genetic mutation. She has opted for a prophylactic mastectomy. Since she did not even tell me she was going to get tested it kind of threw me off guard but I can understand why she is doing it.
My parents and sister all died in 1988 -- well before any real cancer treatments or testing. My mom died at 72 of small cell lung cancer, dad at 73 of large cell lung /bone cancer. My sister died of brain cancer which had come from her lungs. Though this is pure surmising my dad and sister probably had ATM -- and since my mom had pre-cancerous cells she had a full hysterectomy back in the 60's there is a possibility her also. We had always felt it was environmental since we live in Cleveland with the steel mills etc. I am beginning to wonder if the ATM genetic mutation happens due to environmental issues but then who knows. I am just a person who likes answers --
I am personally struggling with 2 thoughts in addition to the health of my daughters- one is damn it I "gave" this to them. It came from my side of the family and though I had no way to stop it-- it has happened. Neither one of my kids has ever said anything -- just me personally.
Thought 2 is should I get tested. I am 72 -- had a hysterectomy back in the 70's which had zero to do with cancer-- took the uterus but left the ovaries. I will have to work this through. This forum is one of the more positive places in my life since most people around my are very negative-- I will keep reading comments-- thanks to all for being there.
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sandygsd- no easy answers. You probably gave your daughters a beautiful smile too. Don’t berate yourself over things you gave them that are out of your control. As to getting tested yourself, it’s a personal decision. Do the old pad of paper and list the pros and cons of testing. Best wishes to you
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Hi Ladies. Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories! I’ve wondered about the genetic connection to BC, and like many of you, I feel sure that my mutation has played a role, though the research so far doesn’t agree. I have a heterozygous MUTYH mutation, which is linked to colon/gastric cancers, but other studies have also shown a slight increase risk in breast, endometrial and ovarian cancer. I also have another mutation of unknown significance so the jury is still out about that one.. The problem with the MUTYH mutation is that it only effects 1-2% of the population so the sample sizes in studies on cancer risk are very small and not reliable. The current screening guidelines only support more frequent colonoscopies for people with a 1st degree relative with colon cancer, but no additional screenings for the other cancers possibly linked to this mutation.
I don’t have a family history of cancer, but my BC was found at a yearly mammogram last year when I was 49 (I get mammos every year like clockwork and have never had any findings). Because of my age, my surgeon recommended genetic testing. Knowing that I have MUTYH, I recently opted to have my ovaries removed and a hysterectomy. My MO recommended this as a precaution and wants me to get a colonoscopy every 2-3 years, a way more aggressive approach than the national guidelines, but I was 100% on board. My husband also ordered the hereditary cancer panel, and was thankfully negative. I’ve told my kids about this mutation and will encourage them to get tested once they turn 18. I also told my brother, who plans on getting tested too.
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I have LYNCH Syndrome . I was diagnosed with stage Stage 1 uterine cancer in 08 and then stage 3C Breast Cancer in 2009. Lynch also known as HNPCC - colon cancer gene . However it has a host of other cancers linked to it . I also had my Ampula of Vader removed a polyp found there during my yearly colonoscopy. I was told by a genetics team that Breast was not a part of this gene when I was diagnosed with uterine. My sister also had Breast and uterine... my mother who is now 94 has had ovarian, ureter( lost a kidney), bowel x 2 .
It was me that put 2 and 2 together that something was a miss when my diagnosis came other than family history . We were always very diligent about our colon tests starting at age 30. Dr googled my mother, sister and myself cancers and bingo off to testing.
Because I am Canadian we have amazing health care not one penny paid out of pocket for anything tests surgeries chemo, radiation , drugs etc.
Any other Lynch sisters out there ?
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I have Lynch syndrome too( have 2 mutations MSH2 and MSH6. First was diagnosed with breast cancer DCIS, a year later endometrial stage 1 and last year breast cancer reccurance. I feel like its never gonna end. My father had 3 cancers (skin,kidney,stomach). He is 75 and still alive 🙏 the good thing immunotherapy should be working for us… and hopefully vaccines too..
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i see you mentioned ovary removal. Did your dr recommend this?
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I was tested for 54 genes (Inviteae Common Hereditary Cancers Panel and Invitae Myelodysplastic Syndrome/Leukemia Panel
No defects found BUT I was JUST DIAGNOSED WITH BREAST CANCER FOR A THIRD TIME! My mother, and two of my three sisters had breast cancer. My oldest sister had breast cancer and non-Hodgkins Lymphoma at the same time! She ended up with those in remission only to get MDS, which killed her! Also a maternal cousin had breast cancer.
I will FOREVER be angry at my breast surgeon for denying me a bilateral mastectomy in 2019 because I WAS NEGATIVE FOR BRCA gene defects! It isn't ONLY about the genes!!!! This was at a well-known cancer hospital affiliated with a major university in Philadelphia! I am so thankful to be back at my local hospital with doctors who value patient input!
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Wow! Thank you for sharing your story! I was diagnosed with IDC stage 1 s/p lumpectomy, left recently from a routine mammogram. No family history of cancer. My surgeon ordered genetic testing and we are confident that it will be negative. But, results came back positive for BRCA 2. I decided to not undergo radiation anymore and opted to plan a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy. I’m still waiting for the surgery schedule. I’m still not decided about the reconstructions. Part of me wants to do it but I am scared to have an implant. I’m not qualified for flap. I know it’s preference but I just don’t want to regret after. I will pray for it.
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I refuse to get broad panel testing despite a rather daunting family history because anxiety wise I don't think I can handle knowing I have something that is not what they consider "actionable". I mean what would I do with that knowledge except ruminate on it? But because my mother and her sister have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer along with a paternal aunt (and other relatives with cancer) I have went through testing for actionable ovarian cancer genes even before being diagnosed with breast. Nothing came up. My maternal aunt was diagnosed with ovarian cancer last year after I tested and finally we had someone actually with cancer go through some testing. She had a mutation with BARD1 and a BRCA1 VUS, neither of which is associated with ovarian cancer at this time. So no answers there and I tested negative for them anyway so it doesn't explain my recent breast cancer diagnosis either. Anyway I am now going through specific gene testing for breast cancer (ATM, CHECK2, and some syndromes) and we'll wait and see what comes up there. I should know within a couple of weeks. I'm nervous. I've already had a double mastectomy with my diagnosis and fallopean tubes removed a couple of years ago so the only other surgery regardless of results would be an oophorectomy/hysterectomy which I am considering anyway no matter what. But I'll hate to come up positive for the sake of my daughters. Plus I hate the idea of further monitoring for the other cancers associated with those genes. Sigh. Cancer. The gift that never stops giving.
Edit - my genetic testing for breast cancer specific genes also came up negative.
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