Genetic testing for breast cancer?

[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!

[AnyDream]

Mak - I'm having a mastectomy (one boob only) later this year so I'm like a woman obsessed right now! LOL

[Mak]

Completely understandable!!! I have seen some great reconstructions, you would never even guess - it is so different now to what most people imagine (usually based on horror stories from 20 years ago).
Thanks for sharing your expertise with everyone! I wish you a speedy and uncomplicated recovery later in the year.

[~clover~]

Thankyou guys for all of that. I didn't consider a masectomy, but its given me more to think about if I am genetically likely to get it. & its great to hear about implants too...it kind of scared me when I first read that you would do it megiemoppet. It would by far be the best answer, but the thought of doing it myself...I don't know.

It was my paternal grandmother & she only had 3 sons, so its kind of hard to determine just from family history repeating iykwim. My sister already has some AF related problems that are similar to what Grandma had, but we really know nothing about it. Pop won't speak about it & I really don't think they'd have had much Idea anyway. It was the 50s/60s, so not sure what they really knew back then. The only reason we know there were problems of that kind is because for some reason Pop blames Dad. (Her 2nd born.) I don't know if that means it started after he was born or what...there's never been any sort of explanation.

So I'd have to wait til after I finish BFing. OK, cool.

Bath - I like your bigger boobie idea I shouldn't complain being a C, but I have a feeling most of that's milk

MD - Thankyou for your personal insight. I really hope all goes well for you!!

[lilima]

Also to add, my mum has had double implants done, and has had the nipple reconstruction and the tatooing, and it looks SO good. You can't even tell they are fake.

I suppose seeing my mum and aunt so sick with chemo etc has made my decision easy. I am not that attached to my boobs, and in all honesty, they are saggy baggy now that I have been breastfeeding! Mum really loves that she now has nice boobs, so she has influenced in how I think.

[HotI]

Hi

In order to have genetic testing, you need to have strong family history of breast cancer or associated cancers. Only 5-10% of breast and ovarian cancers are caused by mutations in the 'breast cancer genes' BRCA1 and BRCA2.

These criteria can be used by GPs to work out whether a woman should be referred to a genetics clinic to see if genetic testing is appropriate:

# Have a close relative (parents, grandparents, children, grandchildren) with a known mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2

# Have close relatives across more than one generation (for example, a mother and a sister) that have been diagnosed with early-onset (before age 50) breast and/or ovarian cancer

# Have an individual family member who was diagnosed with both breast and ovarian cancer

# Have had cancer in both breasts, especially if one or both cancers were discovered prior to age 50

# Are of Ashkenazi Jewish heritage with breast cancer before age 50 or ovarian cancer at any age

# Have a male family member with breast cancer

# Have other associated cancers/conditions

Testing usually begins with the affected person (someone who has, or has had a cancer associated with BRCA1 or BRCA2). If a mutation is found, then other family members can be tested. If a family meets the criteria (of being at high risk) then genetic testing can be provided at no cost.

Surveillance is really important for all women, as breast cancer is so common. Regular breast checks, even getting your GP to perform a check, can help pick up lumps early. And the earlier cancer is detected, the higher your chances of recovery,