Concerns - Breast Cancer

Genetic Testing

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Genetic testing for breast cancer risk has revolutionised the landscape of breast cancer prevention and management, providing the opportunity for a person to assess their genetic predisposition to the disease and make informed decisions about healthcare. While not everyone is a candidate for genetic testing, certain individuals with a personal or family history of breast cancer or other risk factors may benefit from this procedure. Birmingham Breast Group is at the forefront of providing genetic testing services, offering comprehensive evaluation, counselling, and support if you may be at increased risk of developing breast cancer.

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About This Concern

Genetic testing for breast cancer risk is primarily indicated if you are known to have a strong family history of breast cancer, particularly those with multiple relatives affected by the disease or with a known genetic mutation associated with breast cancer, such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.

If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age (typically before age 50), have a history of bilateral breast cancer, or have a personal or family history of other cancers, such as ovarian or pancreatic cancer, may also be candidates for genetic testing.

It’s also important to recognise that while breast cancer is less common in men, it can still occur, and genetic testing can be valuable for both men and women. Men with a family history of breast cancer, particularly in close relatives like mothers, sisters, or daughters, may also benefit from genetic testing to assess their risk. Identifying genetic mutations associated with breast cancer in men can inform proactive healthcare decisions, including increased surveillance, early detection strategies, and risk-reducing interventions. Therefore, genetic testing for breast cancer risk is equally relevant and valuable for men, ensuring comprehensive care and proactive management of breast health for all individuals.

The decision to undergo genetic testing is highly personal and should be made in collaboration with a healthcare provider who can provide guidance and support throughout the process. Genetic counselling is an integral part of the genetic testing process, providing you with information about the benefits, limitations, and implications of genetic testing, as well as helping you understand your personal risk factors and make informed decisions about your healthcare.

At Birmingham Breast Group, individuals considering genetic testing for breast cancer risk receive comprehensive evaluation and counselling services from experienced healthcare professionals. This typically involves a thorough assessment of your personal and family medical history, as well as a discussion of your risk factors and concerns. Genetic counsellors work closely with you to explain the genetic testing process, address any questions or concerns you may have, and provide emotional support throughout the decision-making process.

Genetic testing for breast cancer risk typically involves a simple blood or saliva test to analyse your DNA for specific genetic mutations associated with breast cancer. Results are typically available within a few weeks and are interpreted in the context of your personal and family history. Positive results, indicating the presence of a genetic mutation associated with breast cancer, may prompt recommendations for increased surveillance, risk-reducing interventions, or preventive measures such as prophylactic surgery or medication.

Negative results, indicating the absence of a genetic mutation associated with breast cancer, can provide you with peace of mind and reassurance about your risk status. However, it is important to note that a negative result does not eliminate the possibility of developing breast cancer, as other genetic and environmental factors may contribute to overall risk.

Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are single changes in the DNA building blocks that can affect breast cancer risk. On their own, SNPs have a small effect on risk. However, taken collectively they have a multiplicative effect and can have a profound effect on risk assessment. Our team members have a particular interest in SNPs and can help you through the decision-making process.

Genetic testing for breast cancer risk can play an integral role in ensuring breast health and optimising outcomes if you are at increased risk of developing the disease. By identifying a heightened genetic predisposition to breast cancer, genetic testing enables targeted interventions and preventive measures that can reduce the likelihood of developing breast cancer or detect the disease at an early, more treatable stage.

In conclusion, genetic testing for breast cancer risk is a powerful tool for assessing your genetic predisposition to the disease and making informed decisions about your healthcare. Birmingham Breast Group is committed to providing comprehensive genetic testing services, offering evaluation, counselling, and support if you may be at increased risk of developing breast cancer. By integrating genetic testing into breast cancer prevention and management strategies, Birmingham Breast Group strives to promote breast health and improve outcomes for individuals at elevated risk of the disease.

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Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020

Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.

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Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020

Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.

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Written by a patient at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 1st December 2019

I have been a patient of Dr Basu since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few months ago. Despite the curse of my diagnosis I couldn’t have asked for a better Dr and standard of care. He and his team are super-efficient, have gone out of their way to get fast effective treatment for me and he has super-human levels of patience. During every consultation he has been ever patient, carefully listened to all my questions and concerns then taken the time to explain everything to me and provided constant reassurance. He has been accessible at all times even over weekends and the support has been broad. He looks after you as if you are family and despite having a 90 minute journey to see him at times as we wanted the fastest appointment we couldn’t ask for anything more. Our family see him as an angel not just a doctor for what he has done for us and would recommend him in less than a blink of a eye.

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Written by a patient at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30th September 2019

I first met Naren Basu in 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Women’s Hospital. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He is an exceptionally skilled man at putting people at their ease and explaining everything with great patience and candour. He is a consummate professional and really knows his stuff, especially relating to breast cancer. He is very clever, witty, and a super surgeon. He carried out a reduction to both my breasts, removing the tumours at the same time. I was fortunate indeed to have my surgery via the NHS, it would have been very expensive as a private patient but worth every penny. I felt like a million dollars after my operation. I think he is a fabulous man and so skilled on so many levels and outstanding in human kindness.

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Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 12th June 2019

Nine days before I was due to go on an extended holiday I discovered problems in both breasts. I was lucky enough to get an appointment 3 days before travel. Mr Basu even called me on the day of the appointment to ask me to come in earlier to ensure they had time to undergo all of the tests that evening. Anyone who has had these problems will know how overwhelming it is but Mr Basu took his time to speak to me and explained all of the procedures/tests that would be carried out that evening and possible outcomes. I did have a small procedure and again everything was explained fully and felt quite safe in his hands. The follow up appointments were just as thorough and Mr Basu made sure I understood all that we discussed. If I ever found myself in this position again Mr Basu would be my first port of call.

View More Reviews
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Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 11th May 2020

I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer November 8th 2019 , I was then appointed Dr Henderson almost immediately to discuss my treatment plan and way forward, I must say Dr Henderson was absolutely fantastic, he has a real calming nature and really put myself and my husband at ease , plotting my treatment course from day 1 gave us a massive line of sight to work to and in with combination of the nurses at little Aston facing the biggest fight of my life became easier & easier as the week progressed, I owe Dr Henderson my life and can’t thank him enough, he’s worth is weight in gold

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Written by a patient at Good Hope Hospital, 27th November 2019

I am currently under the care of Dr Daniel Henderson at Good Hope Hospital, and I couldn’t ask for better. He listens, and speaks to you in laymans terms so you understand what is going on now and in the future. He talks to you and not at you, and has a very calm and soothing manner. If you are lucky enough to be referred to him, rest assured that you are in good hands, as he gets things actioned quickly.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a patient at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 1st December 2019

I have been a patient of Dr Basu since being diagnosed with Breast Cancer a few months ago. Despite the curse of my diagnosis I couldn’t have asked for a better Dr and standard of care. He and his team are super-efficient, have gone out of their way to get fast effective treatment for me and he has super-human levels of patience. During every consultation he has been ever patient, carefully listened to all my questions and concerns then taken the time to explain everything to me and provided constant reassurance. He has been accessible at all times even over weekends and the support has been broad. He looks after you as if you are family and despite having a 90 minute journey to see him at times as we wanted the fastest appointment we couldn’t ask for anything more. Our family see him as an angel not just a doctor for what he has done for us and would recommend him in less than a blink of a eye.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a patient at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, 30th September 2019

I first met Naren Basu in 2016 at the Queen Elizabeth Women’s Hospital. I had been diagnosed with breast cancer. He is an exceptionally skilled man at putting people at their ease and explaining everything with great patience and candour. He is a consummate professional and really knows his stuff, especially relating to breast cancer. He is very clever, witty, and a super surgeon. He carried out a reduction to both my breasts, removing the tumours at the same time. I was fortunate indeed to have my surgery via the NHS, it would have been very expensive as a private patient but worth every penny. I felt like a million dollars after my operation. I think he is a fabulous man and so skilled on so many levels and outstanding in human kindness.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 12th June 2019

Nine days before I was due to go on an extended holiday I discovered problems in both breasts. I was lucky enough to get an appointment 3 days before travel. Mr Basu even called me on the day of the appointment to ask me to come in earlier to ensure they had time to undergo all of the tests that evening. Anyone who has had these problems will know how overwhelming it is but Mr Basu took his time to speak to me and explained all of the procedures/tests that would be carried out that evening and possible outcomes. I did have a small procedure and again everything was explained fully and felt quite safe in his hands. The follow up appointments were just as thorough and Mr Basu made sure I understood all that we discussed. If I ever found myself in this position again Mr Basu would be my first port of call.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a carer at Spire Little Aston Hospital, 11th May 2020

I was diagnosed with HER2 positive breast cancer November 8th 2019 , I was then appointed Dr Henderson almost immediately to discuss my treatment plan and way forward, I must say Dr Henderson was absolutely fantastic, he has a real calming nature and really put myself and my husband at ease , plotting my treatment course from day 1 gave us a massive line of sight to work to and in with combination of the nurses at little Aston facing the biggest fight of my life became easier & easier as the week progressed, I owe Dr Henderson my life and can’t thank him enough, he’s worth is weight in gold

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a patient at Good Hope Hospital, 27th November 2019

I am currently under the care of Dr Daniel Henderson at Good Hope Hospital, and I couldn’t ask for better. He listens, and speaks to you in laymans terms so you understand what is going on now and in the future. He talks to you and not at you, and has a very calm and soothing manner. If you are lucky enough to be referred to him, rest assured that you are in good hands, as he gets things actioned quickly.

View More Reviews
logo

Written by a patient at BMI The Priory Hospital, 17th August 2020

Mr Henderson was kind and understanding and I felt completely at ease with him. He was well informed of my condition and explained his treatment plan to me fully. He has been very attentive in answering emails from me and I really cannot recommend him highly enough. I feel very fortunate to have been in his care.

View More Reviews
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