BC gene patent goes to court

[Joan M]

Myriad breast cancer patient very broad study finds

www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE62F5YR20100316?feedType=nl&feedName=ushealth200

Joan

[AlaskaAngel]

Hi Joan,

I'm not "taking sides" on this, but I've heard that the testing is free in Europe because the patent doesn't apply there, and since it is known to cost around $3,000 or more in the US to be tested....

Well, IF a person from the US was eligible to get the test done in Europe for free, one wonders whether it might be quite nice to sample the delights of Europe with a plane ticket and a stay at a nice hotel....

A.A.

[Joan M]

AA,

This is good to know.

Thanks!

Joan

[Jackie07]

AA,

When I first requested for the Genetic test, both the gynecologist and the geneticist wanted to charge me the $3000.00.

I complained to my medical oncologist when I saw him less than a month later, he said he would order it for me. I think psychologically he just wanted to prove that I was being a hypochondriac. But it had turned out that I did have a variant of unknown significance.

When I learned about my 2nd Brother's colon cancer surgery/treatment, I asked for the hysterectomy/oophorectomy. My family doctor thought I was crazy (he did not know anything about my family history - my Mother's Non-Hodgekins Lymphoma when she was 73) But my oncologist gave me the nod. I'm very happy about my decision.

I think anyone who's got a family cancer history or recurrence should be able to request it and get it paid for by the insurance.

[Soccermom]

If there is a known mutation in the family it can be as low as $350.00, but I was told $3,500.00 for full sequencing.FYI,Medicare will pay in full if patients pedigree warrants testing.
Sometimes there are studies being done where genetic testing is part of the study.

Marcia

[hutchibk]

BCBS paid fully for mine 4 years ago. I guess because my dad was adopted and I have no family history for that side of the family.

My dear friend here in Austin, Genae Girard, is the cancer patient who initiated the lawsuit against Myriad...