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Genetic testing...does anyone have the CHEK2 gene mutation
Breast Cancer | Last Active: Nov 18, 2023 | Replies (51)Comment receiving replies
@shelleyc, am I understanding you correctly that radiation has been recommended for you? The role of radiation and CHEK2 is confusing. From what I understand (I'm not an oncologist), having radiation when someone has a germline mutations like BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2 and ATM may increase the risk of radiation-induced breast cancer. But if you get breast cancer, radiation treatment is still a viable treatment option. See this article:
- How to Manage Patients With Moderate-Risk Germline Mutations https://www.hematologyandoncology.net/archives/february-2018/how-to-manage-patients-with-moderate-risk-germline-mutations/
"Regarding local treatment, there is no evidence that any of the mutations other than TP53 should prevent a woman from having breast-conserving therapy that includes radiation."
I understand your concern and suggest you to ask your oncologist about it. I'd like to learn what you find out.
@tcennoc3303 Did you have radiation? I assume you're finished now. How are you doing?
Replies to "@shelleyc, am I understanding you correctly that radiation has been recommended for you? The role of..."
No I did not have breast radiation yet because I think someone at MDAnderson needs to take a look at all of the information. I did have radiation RAI131 for the thyroid cancer. I feel like this radiation tipped the scales and that is why I am seeing the breast cancer. If I had never had that I would not be as concerned about doing more radiation. It also seems like some people with this Gene saw a second cancer within 10 years in the other breast. Even without this gene it seems that scatter radiation can do that. I just do not want to get 5 years down the road and be told I have another more serious breast cancer. Right now I have had two very treatable cancers. The next time I might not be so lucky.
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This is interesting. Where are you finding your information on CHEK2? I have tried to find out more about the mutation but have not been very successful. I was not told anything about radiation causing cancer if a person has this mutation. My mutation is p.R137*. I sure would like to find more information about it. The genetic counselor did not specify anything other than it increases my chance of getting breast and colon cancer. How do I find understandable information about this.