Parents face challenges when deciding the best time to tell children that they may be at high risk for cancer
https://www.facingourrisk.org/XRAY/telling-children-about-risk
Full article: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/20/well/family/when-to-tell-daughters-about-a-genetic-breast-cancer-risk.html
When certain types of cancers run in families, genetic testing can determine whether the cause is hereditary. Genetic testing can help family members understand their cancer risk and make medical decisions to stay healthy. A test result can provide significant insight, but it also creates challenges for parents, because gene mutations that cause hereditary cancers can be passed from mothers and fathers to sons and daughters. People with these mutations must make difficult decisions about when to tell their children that they too may have inherited the mutation. (8/22/2017)
Questions To Ask Your Health Care Provider
- How do I tell my children that they may be at higher risk for breast cancer/may carry a BRCA mutation?
- At what age should I tell my daughter that she may carry a BRCA mutation?
- At what age should I tell my son that he may carry a BRCA mutation?
- What signs should I be aware of that indicate my children may not be coping well with information about breast cancer risk?
- My child is showing signs of stress since we discussed cancer risk—are their resources to help him/her?
- Can you refer me to a child psychologist who has experience working with hereditary cancer families?
About FORCE
FORCE is a national nonprofit organization, established in 1999. Our mission is to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by adult hereditary cancers.