Anyone been tested for the BRCA gene?

[healthfreakyy]

I was reading this article today on the Daily Mail about a young lady whose father developed an aggressive form of prostate cancer which lead to her being diagnosed with the BRCA gene.

My father had Stage 2 prostate cancer 5 years at the beginning of Covid and was treated.
He was 67 when he was diagnosed.

Should I get tested for the BRCA gene?

I am a woman aged 38 with three children and I had a breast ultrasound last year due to having Tietze syndrome ( was diagnosed at the scan).

Apparently there is a strong link between prostate and breast cancer.

Be aware that if you get a positive result it will affect any insurance you might want to take out in the future. So basically what would you do if you were told you carried the gene? If the answer is nothing, then I would say don’t do it. However, I should say that i have been tested for BRAC1 as it is more common among Ashkenazi Jews. Fortunately, I have a very low risk.

We have yes, but this was after extensive family history of breast cancer. I had to make an appt with my GP to discuss, then got referred to breast acre team and had to go over family history. They deemed me high risk and at this point tested for the gene which was thankfully negative. I don’t think you would get this done unless there are more instances of cancer in the family? For us it’s mum (twice), aunt, Nan (twice) and 3 of Nan’s siblings

They may offer the test in the first instance to the person that's had cancer (your dad) rather than their offspring (you).

The guidance changes but would think it unlikely you would be offered a NHS test with only 1 affected relative in their 60s unless you have Jewish ancestry.

It's worth researching your medical family tree so you have all the information to tell your GP (for referral) and Genetic Counsellor.