BRCA article from The-Dispatch.com 10/28/08
BRCA NEWSWORTHY
Genetic cancer marker brings tough choices
By VIKKI BROUGHTON HODGES
You can follow the link to get the entire story: http://www.the-dispatch.com/article/20081028/ARTICLES/810280304/1053/sports
What I specifically liked about this article was the stress of the importance of early screening. 98% of women with early stage breast cancer survive, opposed to 26% in advanced stages. Early stage breast & cervical cancers are easiest to treat. It is suggested that women 40 years plus should have a yearly mammography & a clinical breast exam by a healthcare professional. Women ages 20-29 are recommended to have a professional breast exam every three years & women 20 years plus should do their own monthly breast exam. Women with a history of breast & ovarian cancer should request a CA125 test as part of their gynecological exam. Pap smears check for cervical cancer. If breast or ovarian cancer runs in your family also discuss BRCA testing with your doctor.
BRCA article from the Daily Herald 10/28/08
BRCA NEWSWORTHY
Certain genetic traits increase incidence
By Ace Stryker at the Daily Herald
Follow the link for the entire story: http://www.heraldextra.com/content/view/286088/17/
An article telling us that BRCA gene testing costs approximately $3000.00 & is not always a covered insurance expense. However, having the gene mutation can “almost guarantee” an incidence of breast cancer in your lifetime. Knowing, allows you the choice of having a prophylactic mastectomy & or oophorectomys to overcome this risk. Men with the BRCA gene mutation are also at risk of breast & prostate cancer. Knowing they have the gene mutation allows them to be more vigilant about their health also.
BRCA article from the dailyherald.com 10/20/08
BRCA NEWSWORTHY
More parents ponder cancer gene tests for kids
The link to the entire article: http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=243953&src=120
There is a growing trend to go for BRCA testing since the insurance companies are covering the expense & a new law bans discrimination if it is found that you carry the mutated gene. Once people find out that they have the mutated gene, it is common to worry if it has been passed down to their children. Do they get tested & when is the question since these offspring have a 50-50 chance of having inherited the defective gene. Women with the BRCA mutation have a three to seven times greater fisk of developing breast cancer & a higher risk of ovarian cancer. Men are predisposed to prostate, pancreatic & other types of cancer. There is a lot of controversy on this subject. Many experts say wait until age 25 & over. Some families want their children tested immediately. Some say wait until they have had their own families already. Some say talk to teenagers from these high risk families so they make more positive lifestyle choices (no smoking, drugs, alcohol, birth control pills.)
Right now the only method there is to lower the risk once you find out that you have a positive BRCA mutation is to consider anti-estrogen drugs or having a mastectomy & oophorectomy. These are drastic measures so does one take the test & find out or wait?
Genetic Evaluation BRCA Testing
It was recommended to me after finding out that yet another maternal relative had breast cancer, to go and get a genetic evaluation. Now there is a BRCA1 and BRCA2 test to see if you have a hereditary form of breast cancer or a mutated gene making you more susceptible to getting breast or ovarian cancer.
My doctor recommended that I see a genetic counselor. Not only do they draw the blood tests to get the BRCA analysis, they also counsel you on your individual risk, and treatment options if the test comes back positive. They have the most up to date information, in this ever changing field! They personalize your lifetime risk of getting breast or ovarian cancer, other cancers, counsel you on your choices, and choices you will recommend to your children. They take into affect the age that your relative developed cancer, family history of disease and your health and life style.
Myriad Labs is the lab that analyzed my test results. They have a website that might be helpful to you to get more information. Their web address is: http://www.myriad.com.
Just know, that they are a for profit company. Just go to their website and click on the BRCA Analysis, and gather your information so that YOU can make the best choices for YOURSELF.