More women than ever are being tested for the breast cancer gene these, which forces the question: should children be tested?
Testing for the breast cancer gene has doubled in size since 2005. Since most insurance policies cover testing, it has become more popular than ever.
Many medical experts tell patients to avoid testing before 25, saying not a lot can be done prior to that age. Many doctors fear that the knowledge will only hurt the patient.
On the other hand, in studies conducted by the AP, people who have BRCA gene mutations and their children oppose this idea. Jenna Stoller, a freshman at Cornell University, is one of these children.
“I’m the kind of person that, like my mom, am more comfortable knowing something about myself than not knowing,” said Stoller. She tested positive shortly after her 18th birthday. This was a five year wait for Jenna, as she wanted to be tested at 13. Her mother made her wait.
Ten years after BRCA testing started, researchers are still learning the consequences that a patient’s positive test results can have on family members. Another chief concern is whether or not it is ethical to test a minor.
“The rule is, do no harm – test only if you can offer something that will help,” said Mary-Claire King, the scientist who found the first breast cancer predisposition gene, BRCA-1.
“I feel very strongly that people should not test their children, but children should make their own decision,” said Jill Stoller, the mother the Cornell student, Jenna.
A current study printed in the American Journal of Medical Genetics looked at how sons and daughters between the ages 18 to 25 were affected by discovering that a parent had tested positive for the gene. Many were not affected negatively by the news, but a handful said they felt disturbed.
“I was shocked, scared. I wondered if I was going to get the gene and realized I could pass it to my (future) kids. I would feel like it was my fault if they got cancer,” said a survey participant.
Wanting to test children after discovering the gene’s presence is an understandable reaction. Tammy LeVasseur first wanted all three of her daughters tested after discovering she carried the gene.
After considering the ethical responsibilities, she encouraged her two eldest daughters in their 20’s to be tested, but not her youngest daughter.
“I want to wait until I’m in my 20s,” 17 year old Jessica LeVasseur said. “They wouldn’t do anything about it. There’s no reason to worry now. I’d rather just be able to finish my teenage years without worrying about that.”
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