My Experience

I have a higher-than-normal family risk history for breast and ovarian cancer and wanted to understand my options for testing for the BRCA1 and 2 genes. I made an appointment with a genetic counselor. Before the appointment, I talked to my parents to understand the family history of cancer.

The counselor, Marion, introduced herself and her intern, Jason, and we walked into a small office. She asked me for some background on why I was there and I told her about turning 36 (in fact on the day of my appointment) and feeling like it was time to get on top of my health and understand risks and options.

The counselor drafted a genetic family tree with squares for men, circles for women, and shaded areas for any cancers and then we talked through where my risk increased or decreased from the general population. My biggest risk factor by far is not my specific family history of breast and ovarian cancer but actually my Ashkenazi Jewish heritage. She explained that it would actually be best for my parents and/or aunts to get tested first instead of me, so my next step is to discuss this with my senior generation.

The counselor said that generally if I tested positive, they would encourage close monitoring of my breasts, including having an MRI with an annual mammogram, and removal of the ovaries at age 40.

I am really glad I got the information and likely now will try to convince my mother to get tested.