Would you recommend genetic testing?

[ghostofyou]

I am a 38 year old female.  I have been undergoing testing for a mass in my breast which was found by an MRI to be nonmalignant.  My doctor recommended I talk with a genetic councelor.  My mom passed away at 42 years old of ovarian cancer.  I also recently found out that she had a lump removed from her breast.  No one is able to tell me if it was cancerous or not.  My doctor told me that I should get my sister to go to the genetic councelor with me in order to receive more accurate results.  She is not willing to do this with me.  Is it going to be beneficial if I go alone?  Am I asking for information I'd be better off not knowing?  I'm confused.  Please let me know what you think.

[ghostofyou]

Thank you for your reply.  I have not been able to change my sister's mind yet, but I'm going to keep trying.  I am going to go in and see the genetic councelor on my own in the meantime and see if they can tell me anything.  Thank you for your advice.

[mammo]

Having lost 4 loved ones to a hereditary disease, I highly recommend both you and your sister see a geneticst.  Your sister cannot put her head in the sand and pretend that everything will be okay.  It may well be, but why not be pro-active with your health, and remain one step ahead of it at all times?  I can't bring my loved ones back, so I'm on here to alert people to the value of having a geneticist (if needed), and to encourage people to get a second opinion when they feel they aren't getting any or all the answers.  I think your doctor is advising you correctly, I hope you can convince your sister.  She has nothing to lose, and EVERYTHING to gain, like maybe a long life!  Best of luck to you.....

[Jordanna Joaquina, MS, CGC]

We recommend that you meet with a cancer genetic counselor to discuss your family history, personal history and genetic testing options so that you may make better informed decisions about your health. Cancer genetic counseling can help you better understand:

1. the genetic variations associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer
2. the way that heredity contributes to the condition, including the risk of recurrence (occurrence) of cancer
3. ways to cope and adjust to the risk
4. an appropriate course of action in view of cancer risk, family goals and personal views

Health professionals who specialize in cancer genetics can be found at the National Cancer Institute website. A medical geneticist can also be found at the American College of Medical Genetics website. A genetic counselor can also be found at the National Society of Genetic Counselors website or through companies like mine, AccessDNA.