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.
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We hope you find the information helpful!
| Forum | Questions | Ask a Question | |
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Concerns about Breast Cancer Family History Questions on genetics, family history & breast cancer. |
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| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
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| 7/22/2011 | If a childs mother passed away from breast cancer at the age of 38 and there is a family history of cancer in both male/female on the mothers side, should her only child be tested at a certain age? | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 7/22/2011 | Thank you for turning to the Johns Hopkins Breast Center with your question. What a good question. It's not a matter if the 'child' should be tested, but that the child, who will grow into an adult woman, and at some time based on that adult woman's decision, may decide to undergo genetic counseling and possibly testing of her own volition. Prior to that, we would recommend that any woman with a history of first degree relative diagnosed with premenopausal breast cancer, should begin screening approximately 5-10 years before relative diagnosis. What a tragedy for any young child to lose their mother from breast cancer. We are working very hard here @ Johns Hopkins through our research and trials to one day stop this disease! Hope this helps, and best wishes. | ||
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