I have the gene and am going to start my surgery a week on monday with the removal of my ovaries and tubes and then a double mastectomy adn reconstruction later in the year.
I have seen first hand the effects of both breat and ovarian cancer and the shattered lives of the families.
Once we knew my mum was a carrier, then I jumped at the chance for the test. Unfortunatly I too came back positive, but as I have two small boys, I have choose with lots of councelling and information to take the surgery.
My families history shows that my mum is the only female over 54 to either be alive with no cancer or in remission, so no choice for me.
Once my boys are 18 then they have the choice to have the test too. I live in hope that they can one day fix the gene, so that they do not have to have any treatment.
My choice was either annual mamogramms and MRI's (as manogramms are less accurate under 40 as the breast tissue is too dence) and also screening for ovarian cancer (which 2 of my aunts have had), which can be really hit and miss.
Surley they should have the test and then leave the decision to their children as to weather or not they want to be tested themselves.
It is not a death sentance, rather an opporunity to live.
My risk will be reduced from 85% lifetime risk of breast and over 60% ovarian to less than 6%, worth the operations in my eyes.
Sorry for the essay