Now that genetic testing is more reasonable than ten years ago, I am a bit in shock that there is funded research on when a woman should be advised to be tested for BRCA. It is basic breast 101 if you have a family history of breast or ovarian cancer you should consider being tested for BRCA. What I find incomprehensible is the fact that as women we are never asked about these tests. We go to the gynecologist every year (if we have access) and they don't talk about BRCA or ovarian cancer. I go to the dermatologist and they have never mentioned the link with skin cancer and melanoma. The eye doctor looked at me like I had two heads when I asked her to check for eye melanoma because of BRCA. When my father went for prostate cancer follow-up, they flat out told him they don't recommend BRCA testing at the time of prostate cancer diagnosis. So basically if you have a family history of breast, ovarian, melanoma, Fallopian tube, pancreatic or prostate cancer, you should demand the BRCA test so that you can be proactive with detection. I.E, you don't need to read this article unless you want to get your undies in a bunch like me (the link is here).
Allison Carlevato
U.S.A
Minnesota
Breast cancer survivor, patient advocate, and volunteer coach committed to bringing the patient voice into research and improving the cancer experience for others.