Genetic testing for cancer

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movingmom

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I was just informed by my doctor that I would be a candidate for genetic cancer testing. My mom had breast cancer when she was 32, survived with the help of radiation, chemo and a radical mastectomy that removed her breast, lymph nodes and most of her right chest muscle. Basically this test will tell me if I carry the cancer gene. If I do carry the gene there are “some preventative” measures I can take against this disease (drug thearapy among others). I don’t know if this is moral from a Catholic standpoint. I’m also not sure if I want to know if I’m going to get this disease ahead of time. Anyone have any experience with this? I am very stressed about this. Thanks to one and all!!!
 
I don’t think that genetic testing for predisposition to a certain disease is agaisnt moral teaching. (I don’t have a quote for you though.)

Keep in mind these types of testing dont necessarily indicate you will get disease X, only you have a predisposition for it.

If you want to get tested is a different matter. Pray for God to let you know. If the test signifies one way or the other how would it change your life, how would it change the life of your family?
How would your family be affected by you dying of this? Only God can answer your questions. Your life is ultimately in his hands.
 
Breast cancer is in my family. I have thought about getting testing, but the possibilities, should I test positive, don’t seem very useful to me. OTOH, the kind my relatives have had isn’t known to be that inheritable. If there were a strong possibility that a double mastectomy would save my life, it might well be different. As it is, I would just be watching and trying to be healthy, which I do anyway. I think you have to consider the tradeoffs in your own situation.
 
Thanks for your responses. Since I posted I looked up some info on the subject via the internet. Apparently there’s not some “magic pill” that will stop you from getting the cancer. I really see no benefit to know - unless of course I was living a very unhealthy life and wasn’t getting normal check ups. I can’t imagine getting a masectomy “just in case.” I also read that once you are diagnosed with this gene your may be uninsurable. Seems like many negatives to the testing. Katy, I am sorry you have cancer in your family too - it is a terrible disease.
 
I read that stat too, but I also read that if I have the gene, there’s a 90% chance of getting cancer. Right now, I am thinking I am not going to get the testing, there is no benefit for me, IMO.
 
Just make sure that, regardless of your decision, you have regular check-ups and mammograms.
 
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