Titty Gate

Turns out, I’m 100% genetically normal!

I finally got the results of my genetic testing back. The doctor ordered a full cancer panel which means they tested 84 different genes to see if I had any genetic abnormalities that would indicate I am predisposed to cancer. I do not. So this cancer is a random mutation. Why is this important? It means I’m not looking at any drastic surgeries (double mastectomy or hysterectomy) due to BRCA genes so that’s a positive.

So why did I get this? There’s a plethora of factors that could have contributed to the random mutation in the gene. Breast cancer most often begins with cells in the milk-producing ducts (invasive ductal carcinoma) or in the glandular tissue called lobules (invasive lobular carcinoma). Studies suggest hormonal, lifestyle, and environmental factors increase your risk of breast cancer. But there’s no clear reason why some who have no risk factors get it and some who have all of the risk factors do not. It’s likely that breast cancer is caused by a complex interaction of your genetic makeup and your environment.

Risk factors include:

Being female

Increasing age

Personal/family history

Inherited genes

Radiation exposure

Obesity

Early menstrual cycle

Early menopause

Giving birth after age 30

Never having been pregnant

Postmenopausal hormone therapy

Alcohol consumption

So at least we know it’s not in my genes and neither side of my family need worry or feel responsible.

That’s all I’ll have to share most likely until surgery day!