Genetic Breast & Ovarian Cancer Risk

Cancer is not always inherited but some types including breast and ovarian cancers are strongly influenced by genes and often run-in families.

A gene mutation could mean you have a higher risk of developing cancer. The most common cause of hereditary breast cancer is an inherited mutation in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes. Mutations in these genes are also responsible for most ovarian cancers. A BRCA gene test can help to identify if you have an inherited mutation in one of these genes.

You may recognise some of these specific patterns within your family history which could indicate an inherited cancer risk:

• Diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer at a young age
• Someone in your family having multiple types of cancer
• Several close family members being diagnosed with the same or related cancers
• Consecutive generations of cancer diagnosis in your family

If a genetic variant linked to breast or ovarian cancer is found there are options available to help reduce your risk of developing cancer;

• Lifestyle changes
• Regular screening and health checks
• In some cases – risk reducing surgery

If you find you have a genetic variant that increases your risk of developing an inherited cancer, then this may have an impact on other members of your family. Close family members may need to be informed and offered testing.