When I was 26 I was displaying multiple signs of breast cancer. While thankfully I was healthy, I learned information I don’t think many young, healthy adults know.
We’re told “test & detect early”! For what? We only use doctors when we’re already sick.
Cancer: a thread
1/n
We’re told “test & detect early”! For what? We only use doctors when we’re already sick.
Cancer: a thread
1/n
You get medical forms with almost every physician that asks for your family history. It’s helpful for specialized things (IE children of skin cancer parents will seek out dermatologists). But cancer in your family that require specialists (brain, for ex) can sometimes go missed.
If you have higher rates of cancer in your family - EVEN IF IT IS NOT YOUR PARENTS - you can see a genetic counselor. They can programmatically or manually assess your likelihood of cancer, including DNA testing (not the kit kind) that will identify genetic precursors. 3/
Tip: if you’re going this far, get life insurance outside of your work. If you come back with a result of BRCA or PT53 or others - you unlikley be able to after the results (or pay exorbitant premiums). My geneticist REQUIRED me to do this and I’m so thankful she did. 4/
In my case neither of my parents, or siblings, or aunts/uncles have had cancer. But 8 of my grandmothers 12 siblings have, and she died of breast cancer. I have a high rate of other things (IE a parent born with only one kidney) that are odd. These things matter a lot when added.
So - once you get your test, the genetic counselor can tell you what next steps they recommend. I have a 36% likelihood of developing cancer. This information ensures that insurance will cover MRIs where typically they may not and specialist visits without hoops if symptoms arise
I also know to get tested for specific kinds. Did you know cancer isn’t just cancer? Bone / muscle / tissue / etc. For me, our familiar issues are almost all exclusively tissue. I get breast MRIs yearly, I see a dermatologist 2x a year, and keep a regular visit with my oncologist
All this and I never even HAD cancer. It’s unrealistic to think people test themselves for everything yearly. Insurance makes it impossible. It’s too expensive and time consuming to do so.
BUT if you know your history you might know how to pinpoint and what to look for.
BUT if you know your history you might know how to pinpoint and what to look for.
And a note: I was poor and poorly insured when this happened. My wonderful oncologist and gynecologist applied FOR ME to receive grants from nonprofits to pay for my genetic testing and from @RightAct4Women to cover my initial MRI. Please don’t let money stop you from inquiring.
