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Dear All,
As a note of interest. Keep in mind that being BRCA+ does not mean that one will definitely be diagnosed with cancer.
A study was done on patients that were BRCA +, with no family history. It seems that those born before 1940 many went on to never have a cancer diagnosis,hence no family history. BRCA is a repair gene. A BRCA mutation is a fault (the first "incident")within a specific gene. It takes a second "incident" to the gene to render it incapable of protecting against cancer. Our environment was healthier back then and the thinking is that there were fewer environmental factors that would cause this second incident.
There have been NO incidences ,as yet, of insurance discrimination based on a + BRCA test. That said it is not out of the realm of possibility that it could not occur. The GINA (Genetic Information Non-Discrimination Act) was passed not long ago to protect against such discrimination. There are steps one can take to protect this information.
I highly suggest anyone interested in learning more go to the website of FORCE Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered to learn more about BRCA and its implications.
You have all been so helpful to me here...its nice to finally be able to "pay back" with this information.
Warmly,Marcia
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