I can't find a doctor to take me seriously, and everyone else thinks I am crazy.

[LimeSlice]

Have a look here: Cancer.gov Factsheet Prophylactic Mastectomy.

It mentions that there are some drugs available to lower risk in high risk women, another option your doctor may suggest, thought you might like to look into.

[AnyDream]

Take a look at the Pink Hope website.

Welcome to Pink Hope, we are an online community that provides accredited information and support for young individuals who are at a high risk of Breast and Ovarian Cancer.

There is loads of info on this website, and their online community might give you some pointers re finding even a GP in the first instance who will take your request seriously and put in some time and effort to give you a referral a) for genetic testing, and b) to a breast surgeon and good plastic surgeon so you can discuss your mastectomy and reconstruction options.

It's important to note that newer & more sophisticated screening techniques like MRI are now funded under Medicare for young women with immediate family history of BC, so it's important to understand all the options - regular screening, preventive treatment like tamoxifen, as well as the fullness of what surgery with or without reconstruction entails. Then and only then will you have the info you need to make a decision on this scale.

I had a unilateral mastectomy and reconstruction after being diagnosed with breast cancer at age 37. I had it done in the public hospital system by an excellent surgeon (widely thought to be one of the best if not the best in the state) - I'm not sure but I think he may also do preventive breast surgery too. So explore your public hospital options because reconstruction esp can be very costly in the private system, health insurance companies are appallingly stingy in this regard. Feel free to PM me with any questions you have either now or in the future.

[AnyDream]

ETA - if you are considering BRCA gene testing, please make sure you have though about income protection or life insurance before you do, if you wait until later (once you know you have the gene) you may never have access to such insurance again.

[boomba]

ETA - if you are considering BRCA gene testing, please make sure you have though about income protection or life insurance before you do, if you wait until later (once you know you have the gene) you may never have access to such insurance again.

Definitely do that!

My friend has just undergone this surgery, She is 25. she had the gene testing done beofre her life insuance and now they wont cover her She had both breasts removed but unfortunately she had an infection so had to be reoperated on and the spaces taken out so she has to wait 5 mths...but like she says she would rather that then having cancer!

Good luck hun Hope you dont carry the gene x

[Mother Goose]

There is a breast clinic at St Vincent's (Public) Hospital - you could contact them to see what they say from a public hospital perspective.

I think also take you seriously. It isn't a decision to take lightly and it certainly seems you have considered it well. Some of the other posters have raised some important issues for you to also consider (I wouldn't have thought of the life insurance aspect!). Continue to do your research and keep knocking on doors hon.

MG

[lilima]

Thanks everyone for the comments. I have a lot of reading to do

[HotI]

I would recommend talking to a genetic counsellor. If you are still checking stuff out yourself there is also a risk calculator on the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC) website that explains the different contributors to risk of getting breast or ovarian cancer and can give you an estimate of your risk, and ways to improve your chances (like breastfeeding).

Your risk and breast cancer - NBOCC

[lilima]

I just did the risk factor test, and I am on the higher side of being at risk. Be it that I don't drink at all, have breastfed for more than 12 months, and my BMI is in healthy range is all good for me, but still enough risk for me to look in to this further.
Thanks Kate

[AnyDream]

I would recommend talking to a genetic counsellor. If you are still checking stuff out yourself there is also a risk calculator on the National Breast and Ovarian Cancer Centre (NBOCC) website that explains the different contributors to risk of getting breast or ovarian cancer and can give you an estimate of your risk, and ways to improve your chances (like breastfeeding).

Your risk and breast cancer - NBOCC

Yeah except it's actually a pretty crude calculator, by its reckoning I should still have 2 boobs.