BRCA1 gene blood test - does anyone have any info about this?

[unpsychicsally]

Hello, basically my mother had breast cancer last year which after a lumpectomy and radiation treatment she is clear (as clear as you can be I imagine) and I have read something today about a blood test for a breast cancer gene.

Does anybody know if this is something my GP can arrange or would I need to go private? If so where and at what cost?

I just think that given how hereditary this disease is, I would like to have the blood test now (age 35) so that I might know a bit more about whether I'm more likely to have this.

Apologies, I don't really know too much about this at all but any info would be great.

I think it is on the NHS - you can just go and ask your GP. My dad's friend's wife had breast cancer, and her daughters have had the test done to see if they have the gene. Wow, BRCA1 gene - takes me back to uni days!!

Brilliant thanks, i'll go and see my gp. Thank you!

My mum had this done. She had some counselling as well. What happened with us is that they tested my mum and as she was negative there was no point in them testing me or my sisters, although we went to the Marsden for the results and an informal group counselling session, because there are of course implications whatever the result is. (just because my mum doesn't carry the BRCA1 or 2 gene doesn't mean she doesn't carry another hereditary gene which is as yet undiscovered).

Has your mum tested positive for BRCA1 (or BRCA2)? It is very unlikely your family carry this gene if she is the first case, a post-menopausal case at that, within the females of your family. You would expect to have a few early onset cases of breast cancer in your family tree - I really doubt you need this test but you could discuss with GP to put your mind at rest (or better talk to your mum's oncologist at her next check up).

Like Runner has suggested, it is unlikely that they would undertake genetic screening unless there is a strong gamily history of breast cancer. So a number of females in the family and typically presenting under the age of about 50.

Hello, thanks for your messages, have been out today so apologies for the delay.

They didn't test my mother for this, as far as she is aware. She is the first in our family, as far back as we know, to have had breast cancer and she is post menopausal.

I think I will mention it next time I see the gp but not make a special appointment. Perhaps could ask her to ask her cons next time she sees him.

Thanks.

You can also call Breast Cancer Care on 0808 800 6000 - they can talk you through what's involved in gene testing etc, or anything else you're worried about.

Take care.