In the UK, a woman can wait from six months to two years -- or longer -- before they can get in to be genetically-tested to confirm or rule out whether they have inherited a gene that puts them at greater risk of being diagnosed with, and dying from, breast cancer caused by genetic mutation. According to Breakthrough Breast Cancer, some of the women are making the drastic decision to go ahead and have their breasts surgically removed before they are diagnosed with breast cancer rather than wait up to two years to be tested. The Department of Health ministers are trying to shorten the wait time, but right now the wait does not even come close to the eight weeks the government itself admits is as long as women who might be at genetic risk for breast cancer should wait. The surgery has to cost more than genetic testing, and what a horribly high price these young women have had to pay to feel safe. Note: The contents of this blog are for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or substitute for professional care. For medical emergencies, dial 911!
Mastectomy: breasts removed as drastic cancer prevention
In the UK, a woman can wait from six months to two years -- or longer -- before they can get in to be genetically-tested to confirm or rule out whether they have inherited a gene that puts them at greater risk of being diagnosed with, and dying from, breast cancer caused by genetic mutation. According to Breakthrough Breast Cancer, some of the women are making the drastic decision to go ahead and have their breasts surgically removed before they are diagnosed with breast cancer rather than wait up to two years to be tested. The Department of Health ministers are trying to shorten the wait time, but right now the wait does not even come close to the eight weeks the government itself admits is as long as women who might be at genetic risk for breast cancer should wait. The surgery has to cost more than genetic testing, and what a horribly high price these young women have had to pay to feel safe. 
1. I had cancer in my left breast 5.5 years ago. Both were removed so that the risk of developing it in the right breast was minimized. I have no regrets. Cancer sucks but the treatments are hell to go through. And it's easier to take off two breasts then have cancer elsewhere in the body where removing it could mean losing body parts that result in imobility and permanent disability. I still have my life and the freedom to move about the country by letting go of my breasts. I feel I am more woman now than ever before. Breasts don't define my gender. What's deep in my heart and soul defines who I am as a female, a wife, a woman, a human being. My husband loves me, the person I am. After all, he's still standing beside me long after my cancer is gone. Some men leave their women because they can't deal with the reality that their women in their eyes isn't whole anymore due to missing female body parts. Too bad. But then, were they real men to begin with? I think not. Real men support their real women who have to contend with breast cancer because these men have unconditional love for their other half—the other half of their lives who makes them a whole man with or without breasts.
Posted at 2:11AM on Jun 21st 2006 by Norine V.