To be clear: cancer is not contagious. You cannot catch it from your mother. However, her having breast cancer means that you may be at a higher risk for developing it.
My Goodwill
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enu asked a questionBreast Cancer
breast
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AlizaMLS
almost 8 years agoDear enu,
It's a little difficult from the way you state your question to say whether you think cancer is contagious, for example, whether you'd catch it from your mother or whether you'd have a higher chance of getting it because she had/has it. Cancer is not a contagious illness.
I'm Aliza, A BC patient, the unofficial resident Medical Librarian for the site, and I can tell you as others have that if your mom had BC, you have a slightly higher chance of getting it, however you might want to consider doing what Angelina Jolie just did and getting tested for the BRACA gene-that might give you a much clearer idea of what to expect. The news, as Angelina found out, may not be what you want to hear, but at least that way, you have the option of protecting yourself and Angelina just looked wonderful on the red carpet!!
I wish you good luck no matter what choice you make.
Warm wishes,
Aliza -
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