Screening for Breast Cancer Gene

I don't know if things have changed yet (the preexisting condition "clause" form the helathcare act doesn't come into play until 2014) but i looked into this several years ago. Maybe 4 yrs ago. Back then, it could have been taken as a preexisting condition. My sister had cancer and according to her, my mom's sister had it a very long time ago but no one ever confirmed this to me. You take anything my sister says with a grain of salt--very big grain. Anyway, my doc said that since my sister already went through everything, then I should ask her to be tested. If she tests for the gene, there is a greater chance I would have it as well and then we would strat tests sooner and other things. My sister refused to saying that she "has it" because she got cancer. Just because you have the gene does not mean you will get cancer. And just because you don't, does not mean you won't. Personally, I don't want to know if I have the gene. I have enough other things to worry about and need to let the what ifs sit silent. However, I will continue my monthly checks and will soon start getting mams.

Although I have no insurance advice.....I would want to know. I would be much more diligent about screenings and would seriously consider a masectomy as a preventative measure. I wish you luck in what you decide .

I think information is power. I'd get the test and then be very assertive with doctors ever after about being tested and checked. Better to know and be proactive, I think.

I would absolutely check the insurance deal. If you change insurance companies, can the new carrier consider this a "pre-existing condition" because you are genetically prone to it (if that turns out to be the case)? I truly do not think so, but go to the breast cancer site someone mentioned, and to your own insurance co. and check the health care laws too.

Be assertive, but also do not let the information make you hasty or too radical. My late sister-in-law tested positive for the gene years ago when the testing was first done. She was so terrified that she had a double mastectomy even though she had no symptoms or lumps. She felt she was getting rid of the problem. She later died, too young, of another, unrelated cancer. I'm saying that you can't always predict things neatly with a genetic test, and having that genetic information shouldn't make you do things that are so far out there that you impede your whole quality of life.

I personally wouldn't want to know if I had the gene. Here's why ... lifestyle is NOT a factor with that particular type of breast cancer. Not that living a healthy lifestyle is ever a bad thing ... but it doesn't change the risk factor if you have the gene.

How old was your grandmother when she got breast cancer? was it pre or post menopause?

I have 3 successive generations of breast cancer in my family. my mother, her mother, and her mother's sister. And I have no intention of getting a test for it. What's the point? to stress me out? thanks but NO.

You should go to Breastcancer.org and ask this question...this is the most infomrative and helpful forum on the internet for breast cancer.

I think it would be a good idea to have the test done. I have a good friend who's mom died from it a few years ago, her 2 aunts also died of breast cancer and her grandma. My friend has 2 young kids and wants to be around for them and be able to see them grow up. Just a couple days ago she went and had a mascetomy (sp?) done as a preventive. Her insurance did cover it (maybe not all, but I know at least some of it). She will be going through a lot of surgery's and in the end be getting implants. She is looking at at least a year of surgery and recovery time.
I would rather know and be on the safe side. My friend was not able to have her mom at her wedding or be there with her when she had her kids and it is very hard for her to go through this since she was very close with her mom.