Increased breast cancer risk, anybody know the nhs protocol?

[tiredaf2]

My aunty was diagnosed with breast cancer at 47. I was talking to a friend today and she mentioned that my sister and I might need to have checks earlier than most. Is this true? Does anybody know how much at risk this puts us? We’re nearing 40 ourselves.

My aunties 3 other siblings who are 10 years or so older have not got it however. Paternal side.

Thank you.

Hello, I'd suggest giving the Breast Cancer Now telephone line a call - there are trained nurses who can help and give advice. https://breastcancernow.org/about-us/contact-us#support

Not all breast cancers are caused by the BRCA gene. I had breast cancer but my daughter didn't need to be tested. Do you know what type of breast cancer your aunt had? They may need that information if you ring the helpline given by pp.

It doesn’t sounds like you’re at increased risk given the family history you’ve shared but the NHS starting point is to talk with your GP about it. If they think there’s a possibility of increased risk, your GP will refer you on for further screening.

My mum and sis both had it so I was offered annual mammograms until I was about 55 or something. However the gene wasn't present. Worth asking but one relative may not trigger extra checks.

Hi, it doesn’t sound as though you’re at increased risk just because of one aunt having it. My and my DSis are increased risk but that’s because my mother, her only sister, Gran, and three of Gran’s sisters have all had it- some of them more than once. We don’t have the BRAC gene thankfully but still at increased risk. We have to have mammograms from when we turn 40 on an annual basis, take preventative medication and are under the care of the Breastcare team.

Hi, my mum has had breast cancer twice (late 40s and early 70s) and I was referred for genetic screening by my GP (important to note we also have multiple other cancers that side of the family - mainly bowel and rectal.) I didn’t qualify for genetic screening but I am deemed “moderate risk” so am having annual mammograms now I am in my 40s. I’ve also been offered preventative tamoxifen which I’ve decided not to take at this time.

Thank you everyone. I got hold of the genetic results. We also have 2 bowel cancers on the same side, so doctor has asked me to book an appointment.

@TinglyandCuriouswe also have 2 bowel cancers on the same side. Glad they are on top of things with you! Do you get colonoscopies too? My Nan passed away from bowel cancer and other aunty has this!

So disappointingly I don’t feel they took the bowel cancer risk as seriously as I would have liked - we have 3 generations of women above my mum who have died of bowel cancer so my mum was placed on a screening programme in her 40s - she had a pre-cancerous bowel polyp removed in her early 50s but because she never has had a diagnosis herself of bowel cancer I wasn’t deemed high risk… this is madness to me given it’s only because of the screening this was the case. Anyway I fought this and will be offered colonoscopies every 5 years from age 50. I have personally decided to pay for a FIT test annually from age 45.

I hope your appointment goes well 🙂

@TinglyandCuriousthats so interesting!!!! I’m in the exact same situation with my Dad having the pre cancerous polyp. I guess I won’t be offered anything earlier either. I’ll go private. Thanks so much for your insight

You’re welcome. I hope you get a bit further with the bowel side of things. FIT tests are cheap and extremely accurate now so a good interim option. Good luck!