You’re a guy, with a family history of breast cancer, you become educated and decide to have genetic testing done and you test positive- do you have a prophylactic double mastectomy?
In today’s news it’s everywhere- Angelina Jolie tested positive for the BRCA gene, her mother died from breast cancer and she has chosen at 37 years of age to have both Breast removed as a preventive measure. What if you’re a guy? What about Angelina’s son? What if you’re Grandmother, mother, aunt, sister had breast cancer or were tested positive for the BRCA mutation? Well guess what- this is not just a woman’s disease and men need to be educated just as much!
Let’s talk about the specifics on testing for the genetic mutation, BRCA. Diagnosing if you have the BRCA mutation is accomplished by a blood test. Testing may or may not be covered by insurance depending on individual coverage as well as your family history risk factors. In addition, being a male, will add its additional challenges. It is recommended you obtain all of the detailed information and receive genetic counseling prior to testing regarding the risks in case you receive a positive diagnosis so you are emotionally prepared for the changes in your life that will need to occur.
There are two types of mutation; BRCA1 and BRCA2, each with their own higher risk factors. The names BRCA1 and BRCA2 stand for breast cancer susceptibility gene 1 and breast cancer susceptibility gene 2. When there is a mutation of the gene, there is difficulty with prevention of uncontrolled cell growth and they can grow cancer. In women, there is a higher risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer and depending on whether it’s BRCA1 or 2 other cancers are at an increased risk as well. When a male is diagnosed with the BRCA1 mutation, there are increased risk of Breast, Pancreatic, Testicular and Prostate cancers. A BRCA2 mutation has an increased risk of Male Breast Cancer, Pancreatic and Prostate Cancers. Additional cancers such as colon, stomach, gallbladder and melanoma are also at a higher risk however there are more statistics for women (pre and post menopausal) than for men.
So you’re a guy, with a family history of cancers; maybe a mom withbreast or ovarian, an uncle with prostate or pancreatic. You didn’t really think that the two were related but now you’re thinking twice about it (hopefully!). You thought, my mom had breast cancer and maybe her sister (your aunt) did too, but that’s not important to me, only maybe a sister if you have one. Now you know more! You can be at risk for breast or other cancers too! What should you do?
First, get educated. Information can be a great tool. I had several bouts with breast cancer and that’s why I had BRCA testing done. Although I have 3 sons (no daughters) and two brothers, I had an aunt and my mother who both had breast cancer as well as uncles who died at a young age from other forms of cancer. I wanted my family to be educated. Now after having my brother Harvey diagnosed with breast cancer as well as prostate cancer, we know that he and other members of our family also carry the BRCA gene mutation. Our sons are at a higher risk of carrying the gene and developing cancer. None of us to date have elected to have a prophylactic mastectomy however we do believe strongly in surveillance and have made many life style changes to help in prevention and fight our odds. My sons and nephews have not been tested yet, however there will be a day when they will need more information and most likely will be. If so, they may choose a preventive method such as mastectomy; each person needs to do what works for them, what puts their minds at some ease. Until then, we choose to eat healthy, exercise, take nutritional supplementation and have a positive mental attitude but most importantly, we watch and listen to our bodies. Men can perform a self breast examination and learn their breast so they know if there is a change-just like a woman. For men, an inversion at the nipple as well as any lump or discharge is a warning, so don’t wait, get it checked because men do get Breast Cancer. Know your family history; think about having genetic testing and you may choose the “Jolie” way for prevention. Also, men can have cosmetic surgeryfollowing a mastectomy, just like a woman.
There’s so much more information available than I can fit into this so please view the links below to learn more about BRCA Genetic testing and Male Breast Cancer; then you can make an educated decision, learn your risks and take the right preventive measures for you whether that includes a ProphylacticMastectomy is up to you.
HIS Breast Cancer Awareness
FORCE- Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered
Cancer.gov
Or
Moffitt Cancer Center
Best of Health,
Modah Ani- I Am Thankful
Editor; Vicki Singer Wolf, Co-Founder
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