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Family members identified with BRCA2 mutation
My son inherited both the BRCA2 and CHEK2 mutations from me. He doesn't have cancer, but it's runs heavily in my family. He's turning 40 next month so he needs to start screening for male breast cancer, prostate cancer and colon cancer. I'm wondering if his PCP will even be familiar with screening guidelines. Are your family members being followed by a PCP or specialist for screenings? He's supposed to start clinical breast exams at 40 and mammograms at 50 (how does that work he asks). He finds that embarrassing and I'm afraid if he has to go to a woman's center for it, it's just that much worse. I'm surprised they don't use ultrasound for men given their physique. Any men out there with the BRAC2 mutation or male breast cancer? Any advice? I'm really hoping he and his doctor will follow the screening schedules.
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My son inherited my BRCA2+ gene and was also advised to start early screens - but he's mid-30's so he has a little while to get comfortable with having to have mammograms and other early screenings. Fortunately if he stays with his current medical group - those screenings won't be at a woman's center - but at a hospital radiology department. I searched how a male mammogram is performed and found a good video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEZX2Q3bQZY - hopefully that video link is good (UMMCnews - Men and Mammography | Early Detection of Male Breast Cancer)
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1 ReactionThank you for responding @bpknitter53! That was a very helpful video that I can send my son. Also, good to know he can just go to a radiology center rather than women's center. Sorry your son has it too. I reminded my son last night about specific screening due and he had already forgotten about it. I'll send him a copy of all the test results I have and the recommended screening guidelines to take to his doctor in case she isn't familiar with them. My best to your family.
I have two children - my son is BRCA2+ but my daughter is not. Both have small toddlers - my son has a son and wanted one more child. If I understood there is a way to test semen samples to see if it has the BRCA mutation; but then it required artificial insemination - which can be quiet costly. So not sure if my grandson will be an only child or whether they'll try the old fashion way and take their chances. Time will tell.
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1 ReactionI just found this post. 2024. I got the genetic test 1st, then my young3er sister got it and her daughter. My older brother got it. All carry the Brca2 mutation. I will send my brother that video. My older sister did not get the genetic test in August of 2021 when I received the family letter i shared with the 4 siblings. It is such an interesting challenge. What are the chances. Can one live with not knowing?
@katgob
Sorry BRCA2 runs in your family as well. People are funny about the testing. If I knew I was at high risk and it’s in the family I would want know. I’d have a chance to know I didn’t have it too.
@bpknitter53
Did your son decide about more children? One thing to mention is that his wife should be tested. If a child inherits the BRCA2 mutation from both parents it causes a completely different disabling disorder. Odds are she doesn’t have the mutation but it’s best to know for sure.
My son wants to try for one more. Thanks I should mention that his wife also get tested, I don't know whether there is any history of BC in her family which could have caused her to inherit the gene.
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1 ReactionSounds like they are doing their due diligence. Hope all goes well. Will be another grandkid for you to love. Prayers for all.
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