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

[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

[ezymay]

I have no advice but just wanted to say I don't think you are crazy. Its your body and your choice. There was a documentary recently on this topic, called at my mothers breast I think. It was very interesting and thought provocing. All the best.

[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.