Genetic testing: Could this tell if I'll get breast cancer in the future?

Answer 1

there are candidate genes for breast cancer that they can check, and there are even some home kits, but be careful with them. you may want to strongly consider getting genetic testing if there is breast cancer in your family. here is a podcast you can listen to about the home kit testing for breast cancer:
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=5750634

and here is a link that explains everything, this is very informative:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/Genetic-Testing-for-Breast-and-Ovarian-Cancer-Risk

Answer 2

Genetic testing is a great tool for detecting specific genes linked to GENETIC breast cancers (BRCA1 and BRCA2.) Please remember that positive results for these genes only indicate the PROBABILITY of developing breast cancer based on genetics, not certainty. Also, a negative result would NOT indicate that you will not get breast cancer in the future since most breast cancer occurrences are not linked to genetics. Also, a controversial aspect of genetic testing is the fact that you are REQUIRED to tell all family members at risk if you test positive for BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. If you have a significant family history of breast cancer, genetic testing is one tool to help you and your family know if you should begin the screening process earlier than the rest of the population. Regardless of genetic results, mammograms should be performed once a year from age 40 on, with a baseline mammogram done at around age 30. Self breast exams should also be done once a month after the completion of your period (start this in your early 20's.) Remember that the best cure rates occur with early detection! A good resource if you have further questions is breastcancer.org.

Answer 3

Breast Cancer can come in different forms. My mother had a cancerous lump but had it removed everything is now fine but this wasn't a genetic cancer so i am not being tested every three years.

Whereas my fellas mother past away because she had breast cancer unfortunately this was a genetic cancer and his sister is now screened ever 3 years just as a safety measure.

If you are worried it is well worth looking through your family history to see if it is genetic.

Answer 4

No, genetic testing will only tell you if you have the gene. It basically tells you to be "careful". Go for your check ups, your mammo, do self exams. You could come back negative for the bracca gene and still get cancer (as in my case), or you could come back positive and never get cancer. It will drive you crazy. Everyone should just be careful and be aware of cancer. Taking the test is a waste of time in my opinion and it will drive you nuts.

Answer 5

I envision a lot of unethical practices by health care professions in this field.At the present time there are doctors who are advocating that some healthy people who are prone to have heart disese in the future start taking heart meds NOW. How ridiculous is this?In regards to genetic testing, what is to keep unscrupulous doctors from doing the same thing. Treating healthy people with drugs they don't presently need. All drugs are toxic, and have negative effects on your body after extended periods of use, regardless of what some of these quacks say.

Answer 6

In the South London area if there is a family history of breast, ovarian or bowel cancer, you can be referred to the 'Cancer - A Family Affair' Service who will plot your family history and if appropriate refer you on for genetic investigations. There could be such a service in your own area. Speak to your Doctor

Answer 7

Yes! First, get a medical genogram (an interview by which a professional takes your family medical history and assembles a family tree of folks who have had diseases). From that, they will decide if you are at high risk and genetic testing may happen too. Remember, knowledge is power, and being proactive with this sort of thing is GREAT!

Answer 8

There is a gene found in breast cancer patients. If you have the gene your chances of developing the cancer is about 40% I believe is the latest figure.

Answer 9

"Although many risk factors may increase your chance of developing breast cancer, it is not yet known exactly how some of these risk factors cause cells to become cancerous. A woman's hormones somehow stimulate breast cancer growth. Just how this comes about has not yet been worked out.".......
American Cancer Society

Go to the following link http://www.cancer.org/docroot/CRI/content/CRI_2_4_2X_Do_we_know_what_causes_breast_cancer_5.asp?sitearea

Good reading.

Answer 10

It cannot predict with certainty whether or not you will develop cancer, only if you carry the gene mutation that points to increased odds of developing breast and or ovarian cancer.