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| 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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| 4/16/2012 | My husband had breast cancer just over four years ago. His father's sister died of breast cancer and his mother's sister died of ovarian cancer. My mother's oncologist has suggested that my husband most likely will carry the brca gene mutation and he should be genetically tested and our son and daughter screened from age 30. My husband's oncologist says as his relatives were not direct, i.e. mother of grandmother he is sure my husband does not carry the gene mutation. What is your opinion?" | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 4/16/2012 | Anytime a man has breast cancer it is an immediate flag to refer him for genetic counseling and testing whether there is family history or not. In his case there is significant family history as well, ironically traveling down both sides of his family.So the answer is yes. seek genetic counseling and testing. Men with a gene have a 6% risk of getting breast cancer (and a risk of getting prostate cancer at a younger age than other men commonly do). If the next generation is a daughter, and the daughter carries the gene (50% of children will get the gene) then the risk for that daughter ranges from 40-80%. Very surprised this wasn't discussed 4 years ago. better now than never so pursue it. | ||
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