Why did you avoid BRCA testing?
Faith plays an important role in my life. I don't want to be naïve about it – I still think about doing the testing. The older I get – I'm in my 60s now – I say, "OK, maybe I should." I just haven't made the decision yet.
Do you think having the test might change your attitude about the future?
As we age, women are more prone to [getting] cancers. It's just something that happens whether you have the BRCA gene [mutation] – the genetic disposition for breast cancer – or a history of cancer in your family.
Let us face it: As we get into our 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s hopefully, changes take place [in our bodies], and a lot of them aren't terribly pleasant. But you deal with them.
Our awareness of our own bodies, paying attention to how we're feeling, what we're noticing, [is important]. We know when something isn't quite right.
Would knowing you have the mutation cause worry?
Sometimes people are armed with too much information. Then you're just paranoid all the time. You're going through all the tests, and look at the added burden on our health-care system.
How much do we really want to know about what we may or may not be susceptible or prone to getting in the future? These questions will be answered down the road.
The important thing is that you have a strong relationship with your personal physician. Any conversation, any decision you want to make – how you are feeling, what your family history is, what your concerns are – talk with your doctor thoroughly.
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