Chapter 10: My Two cents..

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.