I checked for cancer. It took a few seconds [EDITORIAL TEST]

In Poland, every day over 50 women find out that they have breast cancer, and 15 die of it. On average, 10 Polish women hear the diagnosis: ovarian cancer. Cancer is the second most common cause of death in our country (after cardiovascular diseases). I try to get checkups regularly so as not to overlook the developing disease, but I also decided to take an additional step: I examined tumor markers.

1. The simplest tests that detect female cancers are cytology, breast self-examination or ultrasound
2. Tumor markers allow the detection of mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes associated with the occurrence of breast and ovarian cancer
3. Mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are the basis for prophylactic mastectomy under the National Health Fund
4. Respond before it’s too late. Get to know your Health Index!
5. More information can be found on the Onet homepage

Why did I test for tumor markers?

As an editor of MedTvoiLokony, I regularly come into contact with cancer topics, talking to oncologists, analyzing scientific publications, writing about unusual or easily overlooked symptoms of cancer. That is why I regularly perform basic tests: cytology (once a year), ultrasound (once a year) and self-examination of the breasts (once a month). And yet, every time I am afraid that in those 12 months I will find out that I have developed cancer.

There have been no cases of gynecological cancers in my family, and neither have I ever had cancer. However, I decided to test tumor markers. I was inspired to do so by Paulina Młynarska, who in 2021 openly admitted that she had detected “morphological changes, the presence of which indicates a high risk of developing malignant breast cancer in the future”, which made her decide to have a prophylactic mastectomy (removal of the breast). Earlier, actress Angelina Jolie underwent this treatment.

1. See also: Paulina Młynarska has undergone prophylactic mastectomy. Up to 300 people qualify for it. Polish women

Prophylactic mastectomy is reimbursed in Poland for women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations.

– In Poland, a huge number of women qualify for prophylactic mastectomy – between 100. and 300 thousand, because that many Polish women are carriers of the mutated BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, which cause breast and ovarian cancer – calculated in an interview with Medonet Prof. dr hab. n. med. Zoran Stojčev, Head of the Oncological Surgery Department of the Radom Cancer Center.

If the carrier of the mutated BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes decides to have a double mastectomy, the risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer decreases by about 98%.

1. What does breast cancer look like? This photo could save a life

The rest of the text is below the video.

What does the examination of tumor markers look like? It only lasted a few seconds

Bearing in mind the case of Paulina Młynarska, I decided that I also want to feel safer. Therefore, I decided to extend my diagnostics to include tumor markers. I ordered a shipment test (available throughout Poland). The cost of the study varies depending on the variant. The cheapest one is PLN 199 (analysis of two mutations in the BRCA2 gene), the most expensive – PLN 399 (analysis of seven mutations within the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes). I decided on the last one.

You can also check for breast or ovarian cancer, which I strongly encourage you to do. Perform a genetic test for mutations in the BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genes.

The package for the examination was brought to me by a courier. The package included a special box, test tube, cooling inserts, as well as a questionnaire and step-by-step instruction on how to conduct the test.

Venous blood should be collected into a test tube. Due to this, I had to go to the infirmary with the package. The nurse took my blood in seconds and closed the tube. All I had to do was place it between the cooling inserts, seal the packaging tightly and send it to the post office.

From that moment on, my role was limited to waiting for the result. And this one I could receive in three different ways: in person in the laboratory, through the online platform or in the form of a document delivered to my e-mail. I chose the last option.

1. Editors recommend: This cancer is a silent killer. Check what may indicate the development of the disease

Receipt of results. I waited a few days

The laboratory that analyzed my sample stipulates that 14 days may elapse between the receipt of the package and the dispatch of the test results. In my case, this time was a bit shorter – I got the document in my mailbox after 10 days.

I must admit that as soon as I saw the title of the message, my heart rate increased. I was afraid of what I would find in the document. Fortunately, my fears were unfounded – none of the seven mutations tested were detected in me. What does it mean? Composure. Of course, the lack of mutation does not release me from self-examination or regular visits to the gynecologist, but I already know that the risk of breast or ovarian cancer is not high for me. I don’t have to be afraid and wonder. What I wish each of the ladies who read this text. While encouraging regular breast self-examination, cytology and ultrasound, as well as the examination of tumor markers!

Also read:

1. Poland: more and more malignant tumors
2. Is it cancer already? These symptoms should be food for thought
3. Breast cancer also affects men. It appears very rarely

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