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Gene mutations that have not been discovered?

Page last modified on: August 26, 2008
Question from EHad: I am of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and surprised to learn that I am BRCA1/BRCA2 negative. My genetic counselor advises that my three daughters and one son are not at greater risk, and that I have no increased risk of ovarian cancer. How does my status impact my children? Are there other gene mutations for which we cannot test, or mutations not yet discovered?
Answer —Carol Cherry, M.S.N., R.N., A.P.R.N., B.C.: Knowing which genes to test for is based on assessment of the complete family history of cancer. If there are other cancers other than breast in the family, there may be another syndrome for which testing is available. But this would only be more fully clarified if you seek counseling.

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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