Ask an Expert is a free question-and-answer service about breast cancer and breast health that is available on weekends. If you'd like to ask a question or comment, please visit us again on Saturday or Sunday. In the meantime, please search the existing topics using the search tool at the top of the page. It's quite possible that one of our many existing topics already addresses your question.
If you would like a consultation with a breast specialist at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, call 443-778-2778. It is possible to get an appointment for a second opinion within a few days of contacting us.
We hope you find the information helpful!
| Forum | Questions | Ask a Question | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Concerns about Breast Cancer Family History Questions on genetics, family history & breast cancer. |
555 |  |
| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 9/2/2010 | Hi there. My maternal grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer in her mid-thirties and died in her mid-forties. My mother was first diagnosed with breast cancer in her early forties and battled the disease for many years until she died this year at age 66. My mother, and my 2 sisters all tested positive for BRCA 2. I recently was tested for BRCA 2 and was negative. The lab then tested for BRCA 1 and that was also negative. I am 35 years old. I was called back from my yearly mammogram due to an area of concern. This week I had an ultrasound guided core biopsy which came back as a benign fibrocystic change. My radiologist suggested I have a scan every 6 months for the rest of my life -- mammogram in summer, then breast MRI in winter since although I'm gene negative, I still have a significant family history. I do not know if I can mentally handle the emotions of doing this every 6 months and waiting each time. Are bilateral mastectomies still an option for me based on family history, or is that too drastic an option based on my genetic test? My oldest sister has already had the surgery and reconstruction, as well as her ovaries removed, and is doing great. My other sister is currently considering her advice. Thanks for your advice. I have also called your BOSS program and they are sending me information. Thanks! | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 9/2/2010 | I'm glad that you have called our BOSS program as I think that will be helpful for you to sit and discuss what your "real risk" is given you are (blessedly) gene negative. your risk should then be similar to that of the average population. your family knows why these other dear women got breast cancer--- BRCA 2 positivity. Though you could do bilateral mast with reconstruction given your gene negative status it would be unusual to do since your risk isn't like someone BRCA positive. let's see what the BOSS doctors tell you but I suspect you will be okay doing annual mammograms. | ||
Please note: This service is not intended to provide primary medical advice concerning specific medical care or treatment. Ask an Expert is a free service operated by health care professionals at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. Due to the volume of questions and their complexity, there are times when medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists or oncology nurses are consulted for their input. These individuals volunteer their time for this service and will respond as soon as they are able. Please do not post or send the same question to us in multiple locations or categories.