Mother died of breast cancer, what do I do now?
I'm 32 years old and need some advice about breast care. Mother history of bilateral breast cancer (to my knowledge two different types). Mother was 45 at first diagnosis. My maternal Aunt was diagnosed in her 60's with breast cancer. I have had my first mammogram last year at the advice of my gynocologist. I was wondering what else I can do to find more out about my mothers cancer and how to find my cancer sooner than later. I also have had no pregnancies and I'm over 30 which increases my risk. I just feel like I'm going to get it, just when I will get it?? Should I have gentic testing? I'm just overwhelmed and feel at a standstill with my breast health. Thanks for any advice you can give.
Hi Amy: You have one major risk factor: your mother was diagnosed with breast cancer before the age of 50. Getting a baseline mammogram in your 30s is exactly the right thing to do; your doctor will let you know the frequency of mammogram screening going forward. You could ask about the possibility of being tested for the BRCA1 and 2 gene mutations; with just the one risk factor, insurance may or may not pay for this (it costs about $3500). If you DO have one of these genes, that test would tell you pretty specifically how great your risk is.
Other than that - truly, your risk is similar to many, many, MANY (in fact, millions) of other women. So, realize that what you're feeling is fear - not reality. You don't have breast cancer; your risk, at this point, is only slightly increased over that of most women. You can let worry and stress overcome you; or you can choose to feel these emotions, recognize them for what they are - emotions - validate them, and try to let them go.
Which is not to say you shouldn't be diligent about your breast health. Best thing you can do is get to know your breasts: what they look and feel like. And then, be aware enough to notice any changes, and report those changes to the doctor. I thnk you'll find the stress you're feeling now will abate over time, and become just one of the many things you're concerned about in your life. Best of luck - PJH
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P.S. Amy, to find out more about your mother's cancer, you'd have to get in touch with her doctor or, if that's not possible, the medical records department at the facility where she was treated. If you have trouble getting this information, please speak to the social services department at the hospital or cancer center, and explain your situation. I'm sure they'll help you. I'm not sure how much this informaiton will help you, medically speaking; you can inherit a propensity for breast cancer, but not for the specific type, I don't believe. Still, I'm sure you'd like to know as much as you can. Good luck - PJH
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