Just came back – and it’s good news: BRAC negative.
Whew! So that means no additional risk of ovarian cancer for me, and no hysterectomy. It doesn't change things that much for my female family members from what I can tell- they still have a mom or sister with early-onset breast cancer which means their chances of getting breast cancer are still higher than the regular population, but not as high as if I were BRAC positive.
On a somewhat random note, I talked to a fascinating oncologist yesterday who pointed out that the research that shows that Ashkenazi Jews have a higher rate of breast cancer than others is also flawed because Ashkenazi Jews just happen to be tested more frequently (they tend to be wealthier, more educated, more likely to be doctors).
All that to say this is just a totally random thing, and could happen to anyone. So, ladies, check your boobies!
And in case you're curious, here's a list of other factors that influence chances of breast cancer, (and interestingly, not a single one applies to me):
And in case you're curious, here's a list of other factors that influence chances of breast cancer, (and interestingly, not a single one applies to me):
- Age (over 50)
- Family History
- Medical History
- Hormonal Influence (i.e. first period before 12, menopause after 55, first child after 30)
- Birth Control Pills (taking them actually doesn't change breast cancer risk, but does lower ovarian cancer risk)
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Obesity
- Physical Activity (lowers risk)
- Alcohol
- Dietary Fat
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