Genetic testing (BRCA) and family planning

[GreenJellyBeans]

My DH has recently tested positive for BRCA2 mutation.

We were surprised to learn during our genetic counselling that we would be eligible for funded NHS to screen for BRCA2 mutations in embryos. This has given us a lot of food for thought about what the right thing to do is when trying for children.

DH had already floated before he had his tests about whether we should have genetic testing/IVF. I felt quite confident that IVF wasn’t the right option - the intrusion, artificial hormones, stress - also felt that with medical advances it wasn’t proportional to go down this route when cancer screening and treatment could look drastically different in a few decades time when our children are adults.

However learning that it is an option on the NHS (I had assumed it wouldn’t be!) has really made me think again about what the right thing to do is - will I be wracked with guilt and regret if we did have a daughter who ended up with cancer in early adulthood?

Would really appreciate hearing from others who have been through similar decisions - or what they feel now with hindsight if they didn’t have the option at the time 🤷🏻‍♀️

My uncle had this so did all 6 of his siblings - all died so young. He had 5 children 2 have the gene and 3 do not. I think given the choice it could save a lot of heartache down the line.

I’m close to a family where two out of three sisters in one generation died of cancer, and the third has survived it. The next generation down, one sister died in her 40s and the other has had a preventative mastectomy- you talk about avoiding intrusion and stress, that’s really quite intrusive and stressful.

The next generation down is my niece. She lost her mum before she was 3, and I desperately hope she will be OK.

In your situation, I’d do IVF.

It's a very personal decision. I have brca2. I didn't know that when I had my daughter. If I had known, I think I would have gone down the IVF route. It's a really heavy thing to deal with and I would love an opportunity to spare my daughter that burden.