Genetic testing for inherited cancer

[Hansencat]

I'm considering having a private genetic test for inherited cancer after not meeting the criteria for nhs testing. The private consultant I saw thought Lynch Syndrome might be a possibility but as there's a diverse range of cancers in my family, she reccomended a 30 gene panel test.

Has anyone had this type of test? I know there's a possibility of a VUS ( variant of unknown significance) being found and wonder if anyone has any experience of this. Is it a common finding, and could testing 30 genes show up several of these VUS results. If you had this how did you cope with the uncertain results?

I'm overseas, and I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 38. My genetic testing came back with Chek2 and BRCA2 VUS. I previously had a lumpectomy, and then I had a double preventative mastectomy a few years later after I had the test. I also had a hysterectomy as a preventative measure. It's the best decision as it's given me peace of mind. 15 years later, I'm still cancer free.

That's good to hear. Sounds like a lot to deal with at the time but overall a good decision. Thanks for sharing it.

I have a 50% chance of inheriting a parent’s gene for a cancer. I chose not to test as it is one which has no cure. It makes me feel sick to think about and worse if I think about how it could affect my children.