BRCA gene testing
So a few years ago my old GP told me I might qualify to get this BRAC test done. Thank God, touch wood, I haven't had a sniff of cancer but want to keep it that way and prevent at all costs. I can't seem to get any straight forward info on this BRCA testing on any website in relation to Ireland.
I mean, is it covered by the medical card? How long is the waiting list and how do I apply?? 
I'm 33 yrs old and want to be smart about this - prevention is better than cure, right!
Family History:
Brother: Leukemia - deceased
Mother: Brest Cancer- diagnosed at 50 - deceased
Father: Lung, bowel cacer - diagnosed at 50 - deceased
Aunts and uncles on both sides
Grandparents all had cancer.
Comments
Hi
They had a very interesting article on testing on the ray darcy show this week which should be on todayfm website blog! Genetics.ie has some information as far as I know once you qualify for the test it is free you should talk to your GP
Best of luck x
Dear Beckla,
We read your post regarding genetic screening.
For detailed information regarding the referral criteria for those with a family history of breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer to the National Centre for Medical Genetics, you can phone our Helpline and speak to a nurse (Freefone 1800 200 700, Mon-Thurs 9-7, Friday 9-7).
You will need to discuss your family history with your GP, in as much details, as you can, of what type of cancer your aunts, uncles and grandparents also had. The BRCA gene testing is first done on the person alive with a relevant cancer.
Please see our Factsheet for further information, download it as a PDF here: http://www.cancer.ie/sites/default/file ... er_4pp.pdf
If all your relatives are deceased your GP may refer you to a Breast Clinic for advice regarding surveillance and an assessment of your family history.
Kind regards,
Cancer Information Nurse
Hi
It probably wouldn't be any harm to go back and ask your GP what the procedure is; I'm not sure if the GP can refer you directly to the genetic testing people or if the GP has to refer you to an oncologist or consultant who then refers you for genetic testing. As far as I'm aware, it's €1,500 to have testing done privately but again, ask your GP if you have to pay if you are being referred.
Best of luck with it, maybe if you do pursue the testing you might come back and let us know how you get on?