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Concerns about Breast Cancer Family History Questions on genetics, family history & breast cancer. |
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| 9/13/2010 | Hello,So I am nervous. I just found out that I have the brca2 mutated gene. This was after my dcis diagnosis. I had a dbl mast with reconstruction. The genetic counsellor kept saying she was sorry--and that I had a high risk of ovarian cancer--so I am getting a pelvic ultrasound and ca-125 test done and then proph oopherectomy--but I am concerned that I already have ovarian cancer since it does not pronounce clear symptoms. What is the age that it usually hits in brca 2 carriers--I am 40. and does breast cancer usually come first? Moreover do the symptoms get worse if there are any?Hope you can help and thank you. | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 9/13/2010 | first, sounds like you were smart to get gene tested and smart to have done bilateral mastectomies. risk of ovarian cancer is much less than it is for getting breast cancer. so relax. don't have your hair on fire. And BRCA 2 has a lower risk of ovarian cancer than BRCA 1. all good news for you. commonly women will even delay getting ovaries out until they know for sure they are done having their family. so hopefully getting a transvaginal ultrasound and CA 125 blood test will give you peace of mind. the CA 125 is very imperfect. it can be elevated due to an ovarian cyst(benign), endometriosis (benign again) or even getting a flu shot (go figure) . | ||
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