s/o -- BRCA testing

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm so curious about this because my mother died of ovarian cancer and my OBGYN just gave me a long explanation of why genetic testing is not worthwhile - basically unless I have my mother's DNA to test as well, it's not useful? This seems rather odd to me. It just so happened that I had my annual ultrasound today and I figured I'd take the next step. I'm trying to track down my mother's medical records now, but if anyone can offer feedback on the GU genetics counseling or other options, I'd be grateful because I might do it anyway. My maternal cousin had colon cancer, and like the PP I've been told that there can be a connection between them.

I'd switch doctors. Your OB is wrong.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Isn't there a concern about being uninsurable if you do have the mutation?

And this poster is right on the money. My gyn. didn't want me to have the test because "Yes", that result (if positive) will be in your charts forever. So bye-bye insurance: they can just keep upping my payments until I exhaust and throw in the towel. Gyn. was also worried about the security risk. She's very concerned that all of our records will be accessible at the flip of a switch Even if Obama gets something through about forcing insurancy companies to take you with "preexisting conditions", the insurance company can ding you for a myriad of other reasons. And the insurance company can demand as much money as they want. It's still a free market out there. You can't force a private insurance company to take me on if they don't want to.

death is cheaper. there is a possiblity it could be a negative result in your file.

I have Fed BCBS--they don't charge more for p.e.c., btw. If I knew I had an 85% greater chance of a form of cancer--I definitely want to know. Plus-they want justify alternative testing above and beyond a regular mammogram without a documented result.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm so curious about this because my mother died of ovarian cancer and my OBGYN just gave me a long explanation of why genetic testing is not worthwhile - basically unless I have my mother's DNA to test as well, it's not useful? This seems rather odd to me. It just so happened that I had my annual ultrasound today and I figured I'd take the next step. I'm trying to track down my mother's medical records now, but if anyone can offer feedback on the GU genetics counseling or other options, I'd be grateful because I might do it anyway. My maternal cousin had colon cancer, and like the PP I've been told that there can be a connection between them.

This is nuts. You need to go for the genetic counseling and then make an informed decision about testing. I no longer have the number for the GU office but maybe someone else does. You may need a prescription for coverage and if your GYN won't give it, just ask your GP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Isn't there a concern about being uninsurable if you do have the mutation?

And this poster is right on the money. My gyn. didn't want me to have the test because "Yes", that result (if positive) will be in your charts forever. So bye-bye insurance: they can just keep upping my payments until I exhaust and throw in the towel. Gyn. was also worried about the security risk. She's very concerned that all of our records will be accessible at the flip of a switch Even if Obama gets something through about forcing insurancy companies to take you with "preexisting conditions", the insurance company can ding you for a myriad of other reasons. And the insurance company can demand as much money as they want. It's still a free market out there. You can't force a private insurance company to take me on if they don't want to.

Why are all these gyns out there mouthing off so uninformed. Talk to the genetic counselor who is the one who actually knows about this stuff. You can't lose your insurance under the new law and the thing about a security risk just seems super nutty to me. If you are at high risk this can make a huge difference.