What is my risk of breast cancer? - One in 10 women will have breast cancer in their lifetime, and one in 10 of these women will have hereditary breast cancer. However, at least 2-5 times as many women are at high risk for breast cancer due to family history. Without genetic testing there is no way to determine which women at risk have a 90% likelihood of breast cancer or have the same chance of cancer as the normal population.

What are breast cancer genes that are inherited? - In September 1994, it was discovered that mutations in one of three genes, p53, BRCA1 and BRCA2, cause most (90%-95%) of hereditary cancer. By tracing cancer genes through a family or by detecting mutations in the genes, the cancer-causing gene can be identified. By 1996 all three were isolated, permitting direct testing for mutations in these genes.

Do I have hereditary breast cancer in my family? - More than one case of breast cancer in the family indicates possible risk- especially in women under age 60. Ovarian or male breast cancer may also be signs that a family may have a hereditary predisposition to breast cancer. The risk can be evaluated through the Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Program.

If I have a hereditary breast cancer gene, will I get breast cancer? - If a woman inherits a mutant breast cancer gene she has an 85% risk of having breast cancer. In the case of the BRCA1 gene, she also has a 50% chance of ovarian cancer and, in the case of BRCA2, males with the gene have a 100-fold higher risk of breast cancer than males without a mutation.

If I have a hereditary breast cancer gene, can I pass it to my children? - Yes, but not necessarily to all of them. An individual has a 50:50 chance of inheriting the gene from an affected parent. This fact explains why there are at least twice as many women at risk, than women who will get cancer.

Can the hereditary breast cancer gene skip a generation? - No, but it can appear so. Males can pass the genes on to their children, but are rarely affected and 10-15% of women who have inherited the gene that will not get cancer. These factors may make it appear that cancer can skip generations or appear out of nowhere.

Can there be several cases of breast cancer in my family and it not be hereditary? Yes, one in 10 women will get breast cancer spontaneously and can even get cancer at a younger age. If so, there is no risk to the children and little risk for ovarian tumors. Our Gene Testing Program can help determine the risk.

Can I get hereditary breast cancer from my father's side of the family? - Yes, males can pass the genes on to their children, but are rarely affected. Therefore, family history on both sides must be examined.

If I have the hereditary breast cancer gene, what can be done? - There are many options that must be considered. Increased mammography is a minimum action but for some women prophylactic mastectomies is an option. There is no "right" answer and ultimately the choices must be made based on options laid out by genetic counseling and your physician and what is right for you and your family.

How do I get testing? - Genetic counseling is the first step. Samples from affected relatives as well as the patient may be necessary for testing. The samples are most commonly blood, which can be overnight-mailed, or tumor material from paraffin blocks if the individuals are unavailable. Contact your physician for more information.