What Do You Know About Genetic Counseling?

There are some things in life you must do because it is the right thing to do. This is why I am undergoing genetic testing for BRCA gene mutation.  My momma had breast cancer, and so did her sisters and my grandmother. One of my aunts continues to fight breast and ovarian cancer. She was tested for BRCA gene mutation, and her results are positive.  I met with my doctor last week, and the first question she asked was, “What do you know about genetic counseling?” I told her I didn’t know anything.

Do You Know Your Family History?

She went on to explain the process of genetic testing. I gave her my family history, and the truth is from both sides of my family; it is like a cancer cesspool.  As she drew out the family line and the instances of family members with cancer there was no doubt in her mind I should be tested.

A Mutated Mess

What is the BRCA gene? The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are a pair of genes which when either is mutated in a specific way increases the risk of breast cancer. For a better explanation here is a video with some great information:

I may not have inherited this genetic mutation, but I’m not taking the risk of not knowing.  If I do have the gene there is a chance my daughter may have inherited the same gene. She deserves to know for her own health and choices for treatment.

We all know we are going to die from something, but for me, genetic testing is about giving my daughter the ability to make choices concerning her health. I am already on a strict regimen of mammograms and ultrasounds every three months, but this would allow her to get more frequent mammograms for earlier detection.

What Will I do?

People have asked what I am going to do if I test positive for a BRCA mutation. Frankly, I don’t know. I have been praying about this matter and find that I have a tremendous amount of peace. There is no sense of jumping to conclusions.

The Facts

The doctor shared after looking at my family history I had a 30% chance of having a BRCA mutation, but knowing my aunt had one increases my odds to 50%. However, I’m not a betting woman and have always trusted in someone who gives me much better odds. His name is Jesus! Whether I do or don’t have the genetic mutation doesn’t change God’s plan or purpose for me. However, genetic testing will equip me with information.

When my momma was diagnosed with breast cancer, she desired to have both breasts removed at the same time to avoid another surgery. However, the insurance company didn’t agree, and ten years later almost to the day she would find herself back in the hospital for another mastectomy. Things have come a long way since she was diagnosed, but there are still hurdles to jump in helping women fight breast cancer.

 

 

 

Ask These Questions

I asked my doctor these questions before I agreed to genetic testing. If you find yourself in a similar situation, you may want to ask your health care provider.

1. Will my health insurance drop me as a result of having this gene? My doctor assured me that due to the Obama healthcare plan, your provider couldn’t drop you due to a pre-existing condition. However, I already have a pre-existing condition due to my heart attack, so if for some reason I lost my current health insurance and needed to get new health insurance, they could make me pay a higher premium.

 

2. Can I purchase more life insurance? I can’t go out and get a seven-million-dollar policy because that would raise red flags, but people do get life insurance without any questions asked in some cases. However, if I am asked to disclose health information I have to comply or risk being turned down or canceled My death benefit could even be reduced or withheld. My daughter will get her life insurance before she even considers genetic testing. Because of her age, she will need to be insured other than through her job in the event she changes employers.

Making the Best Choices

Genetic testing has great value and can help in making future decisions. However, I am sure for some people including myself all the information can be overwhelming. For me, it’s worth it to understand what my options are if I have the mutation.

Whether or not to have genetic testing is a personal choice, and there isn’t a right or wrong answer. It is about what you feel led to do and what will give you peace. I chose to do it because if I do have the mutation, I want the generations after me to know so they can make the best choices for themselves.

I am thankful I live in an age where technology has advanced enough to give us the benefit of knowing about the BRCA genes. Angelina Jolie is one of the most famous women who learned through her family history and genetic testing that she was at high risk for breast cancer. She chose to have her breasts removed. I believe by bringing her private story to the public she created a platform which allowed women to be informed about the BRCA genes.

Know Your Risk

In 2019, there will be 268,000 new cases of breast cancer discovered in women in the U.S. alone. Breast cancer does not discriminate by age, race or even gender. The good news is advancements are being made every day in research and treatment of the most common cancer which affects women all over the world.

If you believe you are at risk of having the BRCA gene mutation, talk to your family doctor and see if you should talk to a genetic counselor. Share on XIf you believe you are at risk of having a BRCA gene mutation, talk to your family doctor and see if you should talk to a genetic counselor. The counselor may look at your family history and decide you aren’t at any higher risk than average. If I don’t have the BRCA gene mutation, it doesn’t mean I can’t get breast cancer; it just means I am at a normal risk level like everyone else.

Knowledge is Power

For now, I wait for the test results to come back and go from there. I continue to educate myself about genetic testing and breast cancer and help to create awareness for others. There are great resources out there to help you in your decision making and to explain things in medical terms we can all understand. The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation website is very helpful. Also, during March if you donate, they will double your donation.

Let’s Stand Together

I’m sure we have all known someone who has had breast cancer or is currently going through treatment. Pray, support and encourage these warriors in pink! We never know when it could be us going through the fight! By shining the light on this important topic, we also help eliminate the darkness surrounding cancer, or genetic testing.

Let’s commit to standing together and for one another in the fight against breast cancer. Cancer has taken far too many of our loved ones. I pray someone will find a cure in our lifetime and no woman or man will have to lose their life to breast cancer again.

 

Additional Resources