Breast Cancer/BRCA 1

This past year my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent treatment, which included a double mastectomy and chemo. It was heartbreaking to see someone who I had always seen as this amazing strong person that I look up to become so frail and broken. Thankfully, it was still in the early stages, so treatment went fairly smoothly. After more than half a year of her battle, we just got the news this past week that her CT scans and blood tests were clear. My mama is cancer free and I could not be more proud of her.

Near the time of her diagnosis, we also found out that her family carries the BRCA 1 gene, which increases the chances of developing breast, ovarian, melanoma and pancreatic cancer. This gene can be passed on to both men and women.

So, I guess my question is when is a good age to be tested for the gene?

I am currently only 19, so I know my risk of developing anything now is low, but it's still something I am constantly worried about because I would like to have children at some point in my life.