genetic testing - breast cancer risk

[jsmith123]

Anonymous wrote:Op here
My reservations re. Genetic testing were because:
If it’s negative then I wasted my money - I was fine anyways.
If it’s positive then it will give me anxiety - shoot, I have the gene!
Doctors did not really discuss preemptive strategies like surgeries mentioned in this discussion forum - I guess they save it for later when there are testing results….
With feedback above I’m of course reconsidering lots…

OP I hope you were referred to a genetic counselor and will not just get genetic testing. A counselor will examine your family history and make a recommendation about testing. They will answer your questions, address your anxiety etc. And if you are positive, they will help you understand what your options are.

I would strongly encourage you to make an appointment.

Knowledge is power.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here.
I called my insurance and it turns out they do cover both genetic testing and associated counseling… so the providers’ benefits specialist gave me wrong info - she looked up my insurance and told that my insurance does not cover counseling at all…
I guess always best to go to the insurance directly…

I am just reading all of this but was coming on to suggest you meet with a genetic counselor before deciding whether to get tested. They can help you analyze the pros and cons of testing. Gyn’s and Oncologists are coming from a different angle and want most people to test.

Unless you have a first degree relative who was diagnosed with breast or ovarian cancer at a youngish age (under say 60), or have a first degree relative with other brca markers (say a father with pancreatic and prostate cancer), it might not be worth testing. Because, even if you are negative, if your mammo turns up something suspicious, aren’t you going to want it checked out? It is annoying having dense / cystic breast tissue but better safe than sorry.

signed, someone who had breast cancer at age 30 and is brca1 positive

Thanks so much. Yes, I plan to do all that my dr recommended. No more reservations.
Sounds like you have been through a lot. Best wishes to you.

[Anonymous]

jsmith123 wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here
My reservations re. Genetic testing were because:
If it’s negative then I wasted my money - I was fine anyways.
If it’s positive then it will give me anxiety - shoot, I have the gene!
Doctors did not really discuss preemptive strategies like surgeries mentioned in this discussion forum - I guess they save it for later when there are testing results….
With feedback above I’m of course reconsidering lots…

OP I hope you were referred to a genetic counselor and will not just get genetic testing. A counselor will examine your family history and make a recommendation about testing. They will answer your questions, address your anxiety etc. And if you are positive, they will help you understand what your options are.

I would strongly encourage you to make an appointment.

Knowledge is power.

Yes, was referred to both. That insurance covers then is helpful.