This is going to be my last blog.
I thought for this blog I would give
my final remarks for Breast cancer and genetic testing.
As I’ve mentioned in my blogs, breast
cancer is a genetic disease that is located in the mammary glands. It is the
uncontrolled growth and division there that has the capabilities to spread, and
metastasize to other parts of the body.
Because Breast cancer is a genetic
disorder, it is possible to get the genetic testing done to see if you have
mutations in the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes.
You should only get it done if you
have a familial history of breast or ovarian cancer (ovarian cancer is caused
by the same mutation). You should also talk to your doctor and a geneticist to
see what is best for you. Making the decision to get the genetic testing done
should not be made by yourself, the proper guidance and counseling is
important. I can’t stress that enough. Often times many medical tests and screenings
are done without the proper counseling. This should not fall into that category
as well.
If you were to choose to get the
genetic test done, what is even more important is the decision that is made
after. If your test comes back with positive results for mutations in your BRCA
1 and BRCA 2, once again counseling is important before making the decision to
either get the surgery, or not to get the surgery.
What I have really learned throughout
this entire blog is the importance of the trust between a patient and their
primary care physician as well as the importance of any and all health care professionals’
capabilities to communicate with their patients. With the proper training, they
can help their patients come to right decision, and equip with them with all
the tools necessary to prevent, and face diseases as debilitating as breast
cancer.
