Genetic screening for breast cancer

[BonjourIvressedeNoel]

I had my appt today, and based on my family tree I have a "moderate" risk of getting breast cancer, so a 20-25% chance rather than 11% in the gerneal population. Has any else been screened etc? Feeling a bit emotional about it all tonight.

I'm sorry to hear that, I totally understand how you feel. Yes, I have been screened, I'm one of the minority who have inherited the BRCA1 mutation so my lifetime risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer is now sky high (85% breast, 60% ovarian). In a few weeks, I'm going into hospital to have a bilateral mastecomy with reconstruction to reduce the risk. In a few years, I will have my ovaries removed. I am 37.

My maternal grandmother died of ovarian cancer, my mum had pre-menopausal breast cancer (at 37) and she recently died from ovarian cancer. She had a cousin who had pre-menopausal breast cancer. The genetic screening has been a long journey but ultimately an empowering one to some degree. I have chosen to have risk reducing surgery because in the scheme of things, it's an obvious choice to my mind.

Did they talk to you about screening? MRI scans can detect a cancer much earlier than a mammogram, so if they can't offer you one, it's worth considering having them done privately. Have they referred you to a genetics clinic? I am at Guys and St Thomas and the support has been amazing.

You are bound to feel emotional but take reassurance from the fact your risk is moderate and push for regular screening if that's your preference.

Best wishes.

Thank you for helping me to gain a sense of perspective. I hope your op goes well. I read that the surgery will reduce your risk by 90% right? That must be reassuring, though still a horrible thing to go through.

I've got 7 years before i get yearly mammograms so I will just need to be ultra vigilent once i stop breast feeding.

My mum had pre menopausal breast cancer in both breasts so that puts me at moderate risk too...i go to a genetics clinic and once a year go to family history clinic / cancer prevention unit where i get screening even though i'm only 35..i take reassurance from the fact that even if a problem does arise it'll be caught early

Also cause i'm under this clinic if i get any sort of breast problem (have had cysts and benign lumps) i get fast tracked hosp appointment and when biopsy is done (within days of me visiting GP) i get results back the same day

I did see a genetic counsellor which helped!