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Should family test if no other history?

Page last modified on: August 26, 2008
Question from JennieD: I have an 82-year-old mother and sisters who are 56, 54, and 48. I was diagnosed at age 49 with IDC. I was very healthy with no risk factors and no family history of breast cancer. Now that I've had breast cancer, is it possible that I have the BRCA gene and that my sisters and mother might also? Should we have genetic testing or just continue to be diligent with our mammograms and breast self-exams?
Answer —Terri McHugh, M.D.: Formal risk assessment with a certified counselor would help determine if genetic testing would be appropriate for you. Your paternal family history is important in addition to the information you have offered in making this assessment.

On Wednesday, March 19, 2008, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Breast Cancer Risk and Your Family. Carol Cherry, M.S.N., R.N., A.P.R.N., B.C. and Terri McHugh, M.D. answered your questions about how family genes affect risk, pros and cons of genetic testing, and ways to lower your breast cancer risk.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Carol Cherry, M.S.N., R.N., A.P.R.N., B.C.Carol Cherry, M.S.N, R.N., A.P.R.N, B.C. is health educator, Research Project Manager, and Cancer Risk Counselor in the Margaret Dyson Family Risk Assessment Program at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Pennsylvania.

Terri McHugh, M.D. is a medical oncologist/hematologist and director of the Cancer Risk Assessment and Genetics program.

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