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What caused my cancer?

Breast Cancer | Last Active: Jun 10, 2023 | Replies (30)

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@californiazebra

Hi Cindy, that is quite the graph! You've been told you were not genetically predisposed, but that is based on what they know today. In 5-10 years, they may identify another genetic mutation that explains your cancer. Always good to research and incorporate even more healthy habits, but try not to blame yourself for something unknown. It sounds like you did everything right. My brother that died from lung cancer at 48 was thin, fit, never smoked, never drank, took no meds not even OTC. After horrific back pain that started at the gym, he was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer at 45. It was shocking. He survived 3 more years only because he was so young and healthy otherwise. They hadn't identified a genetic mutation for him, but given all the different cancers in our family and at young ages, I think his had to be a genetic predisposition that just hasn't been identified yet. I have both BRCA2 and CHEK2 cancer mutations. When I was first diagnosed with breast cancer at 54, I asked, "Why not me?" My question was why did my very healthy brothers die young from their cancers, but I survived when I'm the one that had all the quirky medical issues my whole life? Survivor's guilt, I guess. Even now, at 64, with two different cancers -- recurrent advanced breast cancer and 50+ neuroendocrine carcinoids in both lungs, I'm still here and still able to enjoy life. Pretty lucky, I guess. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and the graph.

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Replies to "Hi Cindy, that is quite the graph! You've been told you were not genetically predisposed, but..."

You have a wonderful attitude considering all that you and your loved ones have been through (and are still experiencing).

I agree with you that genetic testing continues to advance. Four years ago I believe I was tested for 27 genes-all that were known to contribute to cancer at that time. Who knows how many there are now.

Best wishes to you and your loved ones, Cindy