• Home
  • About
    • Meet Christie
    • Privacy Policy and Disclosure
  • Blogging
    • Blogging Resources
    • Blogging Tips
  • Contact
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest

Sparkles of Sunshine

Inspiration for a joy filled life.

  • DIY & Crafts
  • Life
    • Time Management
    • Faith and Inspirational
    • Family and Relationships
    • Holidays and Important Causes
  • Home
    • Cleaning
    • Organizing
    • Decorating
    • Budgeting
  • Food
    • Recipes
    • Entertaining
  • Free Printables
  • Essential Oils
    • Where do I start? Learn more about essential oils!
    • Projects using essential oils
    • Essential Oils Uses & Guides

Holidays and Important Causes Life

5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer


When my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer last year, I had a lot of questions swimming inside my head.  Of course I was concerned for my mother, but I couldn’t help but think of myself now that both my grandmother and mother had been diagnosed with breast cancer.  What did this mean for me?  Did this increase my chances of developing breast cancer?  

Thinking about genetic testing for Breast Cancer? Check out these 5 questions to ask yourself first!

Fear entered my heart, and some friends intensified the feeling when they asked if I had considered genetic testing to determine if I carried the breast cancer gene.   You see, Angelina Jolie had recently revealed she was tested and carried the gene, and had decided to have prophylactic surgery to lower her risk. Women across America were wondering if they should have genetic testing, and I was one of them.

I always like to look at the facts first before making a decision, so I decided to talk with my doctor and do some research before jumping to any conclusions about genetic testing for breast cancer.  I discovered that breast cancer is linked to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes.  So, what are the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes?

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are human genes that produce tumor suppressor proteins. These proteins help repair damaged DNA and, therefore, play a role in ensuring the stability of the cell’s genetic material. When either of these genes is mutated, or altered, such that its protein product is not made or does not function correctly, DNA damage may not be repaired properly. As a result, cells are more likely to develop additional genetic alterations that can lead to cancer. (National Cancer Institute).

A woman’s lifetime risk of developing breast cancer is greatly increased if she inherits a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene.  The average woman has about a 12% chance of developing breast cancer, but that risk is increased to a 45-65% chance if she inherits the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations.  Sounds scary doesn’t it?  Yes, but it’s important to keep in mind that only 5-10% of breast cancers are linked to these gene mutations.  That means that 90-95% of breast cancers developed are not related to the BRCA1/BRCA2 gene mutations.  We must also note that genetic testing for breast cancer is relatively new, and there are no long term studies to compare the risk between women with and without the gene mutations.  So although your risk is increased if you carry the gene mutations, it doesn’t mean that you will definitely develop breast cancer in your lifetime.

After looking at the facts and talking with my doctor, I still was unsure if I wanted to be genetically tested.  I mean, I already knew I was at greater risk of developing breast cancer than others without a history of it in their family.  But since my mother and grandmother developed breast cancers after the age of 50, my chances of carrying a gene mutation was lessened.  Hmmm….what to do… It took some thought and prayer, but I finally came to a decision.  There were 5 questions I asked myself to help me make my decision, and I’m happy to share them with you today.

Am I psychologically prepared for the consequences of a positive result?
People who test positive for a breast cancer gene mutation must face the fact that they are more likely to develop the cancer.  How will you deal with the stress of a positive result?  Will it provide you with relief now that there is no uncertainty if you carry the gene mutation?  Will you become angry or deeply depressed?  Will you live in a world of worry anticipating a breast cancer diagnosis?  You must decide if the genetic knowledge will benefit or harm your emotional health.

What medical decisions am I prepared to make if I receive a positive result?
If you receive a positive result, your treatment options are to take preventive medication or have a preventive prophylactic mastectomy.  Are you prepared to make the decision?  Not all of us are as bold as Angelina Jolie and can make the decision to have our breasts removed without evidence of cancer, but some of us are.  Not everyone wants to take medication and deal with side effects if there is no certain diagnosis.  You have to weigh the risks and decide if you will be willing to take medical action upon receiving a positive result.  If not, genetic testing may not be for you.

How will my relationships change due to a positive result?
Have you considered how your family will receive the news? Genetic testing can reveal information about additional family members, so it’s important to consider their reaction to the news as well.  It can be difficult to tell children and/or siblings of your positive result since it increases their chances of carrying the gene mutation.  How will your husband react to your decision to proceed with a prophylactic mastectomy?  Perhaps you’ve changed your mind about childbearing now that you’ve tested positive.  How do you share that with your husband? Family members may get angry, upset and/or depressed from the news, so be sure to consider how your genetic testing result will affect your family.

Do I have the finances to cover the medical costs involved?
Insurance may or may not cover the cost of the test, which could cost anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars.  If you test positive and decide to go forward with preventive treatment and/or surgery, there is no guarantee insurances will cover for those costs either.  It is important to speak with your health insurance provider in advance to make sure you have the finances needed for testing and/or treatment.

Will my lifestyle change if I receive a negative result?
We all know how to reduce our risk of any cancer, right?  We should maintain a healthy weight, eat right, exercise, limit alcohol use and eliminate smoking.  For breast cancer prevention we should also perform monthly breast exams, receive a yearly breast exam from a doctor and begin yearly mammograms at the age of 40.  But what if you don’t have the breast cancer gene mutation?  Will you stick to the plan, or have a false sense of security? You may have the tendency to stop doing these cancer prevention tasks if you believe you are at a lower risk of developing the cancer.   You need to be prepared to stay proactive concerning your breast health even if you receive a negative result, and not forgo the necessary screenings since you still have a 12% chance of developing breast cancer.

So, what was my decision?

After considering my options and contemplating the questions above, I have decided against genetic testing. I will stay on top of my breast health with monthly exams, yearly doctor visits and mammogram screenings.  I don’t need a positive test result to enhance my screening options and live a healthier lifestyle to prevent cancer from developing in my body.  You see, I try to see the glass half full instead of half empty.  So instead of thinking I have at least a 13% chance of getting breast cancer, I’m thinking I have up to 87% chance of NOT getting breast cancer.  If I do have the gene mutation, I still have a 35-55% chance of NOT developing breast cancer.  I plan to enjoy my life and not live in fear of the future. The Bible says in I John 4:18 that “perfect love drives out fear” (NIV). I am relying on God’s love to give me peace and contentment, so I can do the work he’s called me to do and be productive in this life.  As a Christian, I’ve decided to put my trust in God and believe that no matter what lies ahead, he will be with me every step of the way.

 

Note: The opinions in this post are entirely my own, based on my own beliefs and the conclusion I made after researching genetic testing and speaking with my doctor.  I am not saying that genetic testing is wrong, only that it was wrong for me.  You should make your decision about genetic testing based on your own beliefs and knowledge.  Do you want to know more about the BRCA1 and BRCA2 cancer risk and genetic testing?  I used facts from The National Cancer Institute for this post.  You can find much more useful information on their website.

Faithbox - Embrace Your Faith Today!

Related Posts

  • Show your support during Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
    Bring on the Pink! It's Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

    Today marks the first day of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  It's easy to remember that October is…

  • Had a mammogram lately? It's important! Find out why at Sparkles of Sunshine.
    Mammogram Anyone?

    I know you're never supposed to ask a woman her age, but I'm going to…

  • Did you know that November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month?
    Why I Wear a Purple Ribbon: Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

    What did you think of when you saw this purple ribbon?  Some people may recognize…


Leave a Comment

« The Seven Year Itch Myth Buster
The Simplest Way to Dress up a Dog Collar »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




looking for something?

Oh, hi there!

Hi! I’m Christie...Jesus follower, wife, pet lover, avid crafter and DIY addict. I believe in spending time doing whatever brings sunshine into your life. Welcome to my blog where you will find inspirational tips for DIY projects, crafts, recipes, organizing, household tips and much more. Let’s create some sunshine for your life! Read More…

Popular Recipes

Satisfy your sweet tooth this fall season with a flavorful cookie recipe. These Mocha Pumpkin Spice Cookies are the perfect sweet treat for fall.

Mocha Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Make breakfast fun this summer with this easy recipe for berry & granola breakfast ice pops!

Berry & Granola Breakfast Ice Pops

Become a VIP insider today

Sign up to receive my latest posts, inspirational emails and get access to our FREE PRINTABLE library, exclusive for newsletter subscribers!

AMAZON AFFILIATE

Sparkles of Sunshine is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

you may also like

Free Printable 2020 Calendar With Weekly Planner

Stay organized in 2019 with the free printable 2019 calendar with weekly planner at Sparkles of Sunshine.

Free Printable 2019 Calendar With Weekly Planner

Want to keep the bugs at bay while moisturizing your skin? These bug repellent lotion bars are simple to make and use and will the bugs away this summer.

How to Make Bug Repellent Lotion Bars at Home

Moving day can be hectic. You've got a lot on your mind and it's easy to get stressed out. Learn 9 ways you can make moving day less stressful for you and your family.

9 Ways You Can Make Moving Day Less Stressful

Moving soon? It's never too early to get prepared for a smooth move from one home to another. Find out 9 ways you can prepare for a move at Sparkles of Sunshine today.

9 Ways You Can Prepare for a Move

Copyright © 2022 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2022 · Divine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Non-necessary
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
SAVE & ACCEPT