Genetic testing for breast cancer?

[~clover~]

Does anyone know anything about this?
My Grandma was diagnosed with breast cancer at about 44. She died at 61 & suffered for the whole 17 years in between. Her whole body was riddled by then
Mum wants my sister & I to have genetic testing to find out if we have the gene. Or any cancer gene really.
Does anyone know how we'd find out & if it would cost us anything, or is covered by medicare etc?
TIA

[lilima]

Not sure about medicare, but my OB/gyn said that she would refer me once I have finished breastfeeding. Both my mum and my aunt have had breastcancer. I have decided that if I carry the gene I am going to have a double mastectoy

[SugarDust]

When you find out Bjrose please let me know! My nan had a double masectomy because of Breast Cancer then she had tumors on her ovaries and her uterus so has also had them taken out, her mum died of Breast Cancer at the age of 55 so it would be good to know if I have the gene!

Mum and her sisters get checked every year but are still unsure about getting genetic testing done!

I reckon the best defence is knowing whats to come!

[Mak]

Your GP should be able to help as a first point of contact. They may refer you to a Familial Cancer Centre to assess your risk. It is quite a complex process with counselling involved too not just a blood test IYKWIM.
In Melbourne some contacts are;
Monash Medical Centre Familial Cancer Centre
Royal Melbourne Hospital Familial Cancer Centre
Peter MacCallum Cancer Institute Familial Cancer Centre
Genetic Health Services Victoria Familial Cancer Centre
or call the Cancer Council Victoria, Information and Support Service

GL

[Bathsheba]

I was wondering the same thing... thanks girls I also would consider a double mastectomy. I have finished BF (I fed for a total of 4 years). I am only an A cup so maybe it wouldn't be as traumatic... would consider maybe getting B cup implants as a consolation prize! Can you have implants after a mastectomy???

[AnyDream]

Yep Bath if you are having a prophylactic (ie precautionary) mastectomy, you can have a 'skin sparing mastectomy' with implants immediately. Well sometimes they have to put an expander in (same shape as the implant, but flatter) and then inject saline into it every few weeks to stretch everything so that the tissue/muscle etc is the right size for the implant, and then finally you have surgery where they exchange the expander for the implant you're having. Implants are particularly suited to smaller breasts and give a great result when you're having both boosies done at once.

For larger breasts you can have reconstruction done using tissue from behind your shoulder or your tummy - with or without a small implant - this gives a softer breast with a more natural hang, and they also gain/loose weight when you do.

In the event of, you need to discuss with a surgeon the risks/benefits of keeping your own nipples. Nipples can also be reconstructed with or without a tattoo for areola colour.

[Mak]

Yes you sure can! I think you have spacers put in at the mastectomy surgery which stretch the skin gradually and then the implants are put in later. Details a bit vague but I know of women that have had that done.

ETA - Snap MD but you have explained it MUCH better!