sister diagnosed with breast cancer - should i get tested

[TinyTear]

she is only 45.
as far as i know there is no family history of cancer
should i go to the GP and ask to get tested?

apologies for the me me me nature of the post but I have read about my sister's diagnosis and treatment and that is not what I am wanting to find out. and i'm not going to ask her at this time...

in person i will support her, online i can ask about me...

thanks

[Stopyourhavering]

there are particular guidelines for genetic testing for breast cancer...and in general mammography is not offered until you are over 50 in the UK...best vice is to be aware of what is 'normal' for your breasts and regular self examination is essential

patient.info/doctor/familial-breast-cancer

www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/type/breast-cancer/about/risks/breast-cancer-genes

there are also specific NICE guidelines
www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg164/chapter/1-recommendations

by all means go to GP and discuss your concerns but be advised you may not be referred directly for genetic testing unless you fall into a specific high risk group
There is loads of information on Cancer ResearchUK website
hope this info helps and good luck to your sister with her treatment

[TinyTear]

Thanks.
She will find out Thursday the date of the surgery.

I called my GP but there were no appointments with my preferred ones so will try again next week
And I will hope, if there is a risk, breastfeeding non stop for over 4 years and counting will help reduce it

[TinyTear]

Just as a quick update, she will have surgery towards the end of next week. Then depending on results of what they take out she might get the full whack of chemo, radio and meds

I have also managed to get an appointment with my preferred GP next week so will have a chat with her...

[Stopyourhavering]

Tiny....glad she's not got long to wait...she probably won't be in hospital very long either (24-48 hrs) and may go home with a wound drain...the breast care nurses assigned to her care will be her first point of contact to organise her care in and out of hospital initially
It may take 7-14 days to get results back and they will then discuss her case again at an MDT ( multi disciplinary team ) meeting where there will be surgeon, oncologist , pathologist,radiology and nurses....to decide next course of action, whether she needs chemo and or radiotherapy
if your thinking of getting her something for her hospital stay or after wards look at
www.notanotherbunchofflowers.com
a brilliant website i came across, endorsed by Macmillan...which has some lovely gift ideas -
Hope you get some answers at your GP visit...remember to write down any questions you may have as I know how easy it is to go into a Drs office and have a total memory blank!...
have you had a look at macmillan website?...some very useful links/tips....especially look at "The Source" section of Macmillan
source.macmillan.org.uk
gives some invaluable advice xx

[Parisbanana]

My sister was diagnosed at age 40.
I spoke to the GP about my own risk. According to their checklist, the only reason I might have a greater risk of getting it too was because of her age at diagnosis (although 40 is right on the borderline for normal and young). Otherwise like you, no family history and no other apparent factors to put me in higher risk category.
So I think its worth speaking to your GP but unless they identify you as higher risk, they may well just advise you to continue to self examine and be breast aware.
Really hope your sister's treatment goes well.

[TinyTear]

Thanks all