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Family members identified with BRCA2 mutation

Posted by Zebra @californiazebra, Apr 12, 2023

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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bpknitter53 | @bpknitter53 | Apr 13, 2023

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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Zebra | @californiazebra | Apr 13, 2023
In reply to @bpknitter53 "My son inherited my BRCA2+ gene and was also advised to start early screens - but..." + (show)
@bpknitter53

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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Thank 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.

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bpknitter53 | @bpknitter53 | Apr 13, 2023

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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