A few weeks ago I wrote what ended up being a controversial post about Angelina Jolie’s cancer preventative breast removal.
There were plenty of people who stated they sympathized–or even empathized with Angelina. But then there were also people who scolded her for being a role model who is modeling drastic measures when it comes to taking charge of one’s health.
What some people may have not considered is that Angelina’s decision to remove her breasts came only after the results of genetic testing.
She knew she was already at a high risk for cancer because of her mother’s own battle with–and resulting death from–ovarian cancer. And so she was tested for the BRCA gene, which puts women at a much greater risk of developing the disease.
Reportedly, her results came back as a 87% likelihood of developing cancer.
I told you in the post that my mother has had ovarian cancer twice, I didn’t blame Angelina for getting her breasts removed and that I couldn’t say the thought wouldn’t have crossed my mind if I had received the same test results.
What I didn’t tell you was that my mother has taken that exact same genetic test.
When I was in my early 20s, I had two breast lumps (about a year or so apart). One was fluid-filled and easily taken care of in the doctor’s office.
But the other was a fibroadenoma cyst about the size of a golf ball. I had to get this cyst biopsied.
It was a very, very scary time.
After the biopsy (which came back negative!), the breast specialist had my husband and I meet with a genetic counselor who explained to us that a certain type of ovarian and breast cancer are related. No, I did not have cancer, but because I was so obviously shaken by the whole experience–and because of my mother’s history–the counselor suggested my mother be tested for the gene.
Getting genetic testing
Honestly? I’m thankful we live in a time when we have the option for genetic testing like the ones my mom and Angelina had.
I recently discovered 23andMe, a company which offers genetic testing not only for health risks but even for ancestry! The company up to 240 health reports!
Test kits start at $99, and there is no blood work involved. When you purchase your kit at 23andMe, they will send it in the mail. It is a saliva test, so you will essentially spit in the kit and simply send it back.
Check out the 23andMe website to see which tests are available.
What do you think of genetic testing? Would you ever get a genetic test?
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
JessicaD
JUst this week I sent in 2 tests to 23andme.com. IT was recommend to me by my family dr. We are having some ongoing issues with both my children. When she discovered that anotehr site whose name escapes me just now will help you better understand the info that comes from 23 andme, we made a no brainer choice to check it out.
I don’t know that I could endorse it for everyone jst bc, but it seems a good poption.
Erin
Thanks for the testimonial!
norma
When my first son was diagnosed with beta thallasemia trait, the dr recommended genetic testing for my husband and I. We did just because he said. Only one of us was a carrier so no problem.
When an ultrasound revealed a cyst on my son’s developing brain, (indicating the possiblilty of Down’s syndrome) the dr wanted me to have an amnio to test my son’s genes. NO!!! If My son had down’s or anyother issue, I was not going to abort him.
I know this is diff from testing from cancer, but why stress yourself, family and friends in advance?
Erin
I agree–no tests like that for me on my babies in utero!
Missy
As far as genetic testing goes I did have it done once after loosing multiple babies, they were not helpful though, told me we had less than a 17% chance of ever having a baby live long enough to be born and that I carried a rare chromosome abnormality. I was told that I should have selective invetro and abort those that had the chromosome abnormalities. I would not consent to that and left thinking we wouldn’t have children and spent time in agony over the loss of dreams. However, God had other plans and I now have 3 perfectly normal and healthy kids with out the doctors help but with natural food and God. I find that genetics testing is not that reliable and that no matter what the paper or the doctors say God is Bigger. As far as cancer goes I think it’s the same. My best friend was diagnosed last Feb with breast cancer was told that it was spreading and they recommended chemo and radiation and told her she would then go on to have hormone replacements and possibly loose her breast and her life. She decided to try going completely naturally first, prior to trying any other things. She completely changed her diet and her life, removing all toxins from her environment from household cleaners to make up to microwaves. She met with multiple natural paths, herbalists, and had blood work through an oncologist and with in 9 months the cancer was gone. She supported her lymphatic system and she supported her thyroid through all this. All naturally. I think there is too much of a push through both the medical society and the media for drastic measures, like chemo, surgery etc, with out trying the things that God gave us naturally first. People are so unaware of other ways to treat things like cancer. For my friend it became hard to share her story with everyone as so many people are affected by cancer and only know chemo and radiation and genetic testing that they’re own stories, and history and hurts close them off to her and make them angry when she tells them there’s another way that many have found success and not had to go through the pain of conventional treatment.
Erin
Thanks for the input!! Praise God for your babies!
Naomi
My doctor has recommended I see a geneticist before I have kids. I have a hereditary blood clotting disorder (which I didn’t find out until I was in the hospital with blood clots), and my husband has a very rare genetic enzyme deficiency. Luckily my husband’s condition is a recessive gene, so our kids will only get the condition if I have the gene too, but mine is a dominant gene so there is a greater likelihood of our children inheriting it. That’s not going to stop us from having kids, so I don’t know whether we will see a geneticist beforehand. To me it makes more sense to get our kids tested for any of those factors.
Andrew
I think it is good to get genetic tested. You can choose what to do with the results afterwards. Knowledge is power. Although genetic testing is not 100% correct, you can still get a good picture of what will happen. It is always good to know ahead of time so that you can choose to plan for it or not.