What is considered family history?

Posted by amelialynne29 @amelialynne29, Mar 20, 2023

Hello! I am confused as to what is considered family history. I have tried google and I get different answers. My primary doctor doesn’t seem too concerned. 3 of my moms sisters have had breast cancer and 4 of my moms sisters/brothers children (my first cousins) have been diagnosed. The ones who have been tested do not have the brac genes. I recently went for my mammogram and had a mass that needed a new mammogram and ultrasound. The ultrasound tech talked to the radiologist who said it might be a cyst but doesn’t correlate with the mammogram but you are good. Come back in six months. The radiologist didn’t do a detailed report so I don’t know if it was round, smooth or fluid filled, anything like that. It just said there was a mass and where it’s located and how it didn’t correspond to the mammogram and was birads 3. I think if my moms family didn’t have all of those diagnosed I would be ok come back in six months but now I’m questioning everything. I don’t want to be overly paranoid but it is the report that isn’t sitting well. I did message my primary and she just said she doesn’t know anymore than what the radiologist told me and we can discuss it at my next appt in a month and half. Any thoughts?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Breast Cancer Support Group.

windyshores | @windyshores | Mar 21, 2023

Just to be clear: I had a full panel of genetic tests, not just the BRACA. Both grandmothers, cousin, aunts all had breast cancer but not mother or sister. I was told family history was only mother or sibling. Has that changed? I suppose if my father had had breast cancer that would count. @lisekinpa are you saying that aunts and grandparents are now considered in family history of breast cancer?

amelialynne29 | @amelialynne29 | Mar 21, 2023

In reply to @mpirruccel "I would recommend getting another radiologist to look at last mammogram. I had something suspicious that..." + (show)

Thank you for your reply!!! I am definitely looking into getting it reread.

bpknitter53 | @bpknitter53 | Mar 22, 2023

I was told we can get mutations from either side of our parents 50/50 chance. No cancer on my mother's side; but my father had colon cancer and how I find I'm BRCA2+ and I also recently learned my paternal uncle had cancer. It couldn't hurt to ask for genetic testing be performed. When my testing was performed it was only for BRCA mutation - I think I should have requested more extensive testing to see if there are any other mutations I might pass on.

amelialynne29 | @amelialynne29 | Mar 22, 2023

In reply to @bpknitter53 "I was told we can get mutations from either side of our parents 50/50 chance. No..." + (show)

Thank you! I will definitely look into that! I appreciate your input!

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 2, 2023

@amelialynne29, you may also appreciate this Video Q&A with Mayo experts on genetics and cancer here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/video-qa-about-cancer-and-genetics/

Chris, Volunteer Mentor | @auntieoakley | Apr 2, 2023

In reply to @colleenyoung "@amelialynne29, you may also appreciate this Video Q&A with Mayo experts on genetics and cancer here:..." + (show)

I opened the resources, which explained a lot, but I didn’t find a video on this link.

amelialynne29 | @amelialynne29 | Apr 2, 2023

In reply to @auntieoakley "I opened the resources, which explained a lot, but I didn’t find a video on this..." + (show)

Thank you! I’m going to check it out now!

amelialynne29 | @amelialynne29 | Apr 2, 2023

In reply to @colleenyoung "@amelialynne29, you may also appreciate this Video Q&A with Mayo experts on genetics and cancer here:..." + (show)

Thank you so much!!! I appreciate it. I am going to look at it now!

amelialynne29 | @amelialynne29 | Apr 2, 2023

In reply to @lisakinpa "Both mom’s AND dad’s side of the family are considered and no longer just the maternal..." + (show)

Thank you. I have an appt with my doctor next week! I appreciate your help!

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 2, 2023

In reply to @auntieoakley "I opened the resources, which explained a lot, but I didn’t find a video on this..." + (show)

Chris, click the arrow on the image here https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/video-qa-about-cancer-and-genetics/

It should start the video with gastroenterologist Dr. Jewel Samadder; oncology nurse and educator Kelli Fee-Schroeder; and genetic counselor Maggie Klint.

View More View Less

Please sign in or register to post a reply.