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Writer's picturePaula Lennon

16. BRACA 1 & 2 genetic testing

Updated: Dec 29, 2020

The further I progress on what has now been an 18 month cancer journey, the closer I feel to the light at the end of the tunnel. When diagnosed, one of my first thoughts was, is the type of cancer I have genetic? I was worried that our children Joey and Clara may be at risk later on in their lives. The sense of guilt at this possibility was hard to deal with.


I’d mentioned genetic testing during check ups with my breast surgeon Miss Waheed and with Professor Johnston. During a consultation with the Professor in August, I asked again about it. It was explained that genetic testing can be done with a simple blood test and so I was referred to a Genetic Oncologist, James MacKay on Harley Street.



Mr MacKay was incredibly knowledgeable, his expertise lies in cancer genetics, inherited cancer, cancer screening and the introduction of tumour genetic tests into clinical cancer care. It was fascinating to learn that genetics has advanced so far that now 17 other genes (a panel test) can also be carried out to distinguish whether genes are carried that heighten your risk of Ovarian as well as Breast Cancer. Personally, I had only heard of the BRACA 1 & 2 genes through high profile cases such as Angelina Jolie. James shared his view that he doesn’t think whether you carry the gene or not is linked solely to the type of breast cancer you have, he firmly believes that the age you are diagnosed is particularly pertinent.


Once the basics of the testing was conveyed, together we drew a genetic family tree going back 3 generations to see if there are any possible links. I then had my bloods taken at the clinic, the tube was put in a box ready to be couriered to Myriad, Salt Lake City, Utah. Results will come back in 3-4 weeks, so I shall be waiting for the call.

I am anxious, because potentially if I do carry one of these genes then decisions will need to be made about having a mastectomy on my right side and having my ovaries removed. Knowledge is power as they say and it’s better to know rather than not know.

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