Breast Care Services
The Northern Trust Breast Care Service provides both a screening and symptomatic service, encompassing the specialist care for patients with breast cancer and non-cancer conditions.
There are consultant breast surgeons and breast care nurses based in Antrim Breast Unit. Consultants provide services at symptomatic clinics, family history clinics, results clinics, in-patient and day-case surgery. Reconstructive breast surgery is also provided in Antrim Area Hospital.
Do you have family history of breast cancer?
Information and resources are available for people who may have a risk of developing breast cancer due to their family history.
The aim of the resources is to give you guidance on how you can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer, and to provide contact details, should you have any further questions.
Introducing the Breast Family History Resources
Overview of the Breast Family History Clinic
Cancer Genetics Service
It is uncommon for breast cancer to be caused by an inherited genetic change (disease causing) in a high-risk cancer gene such as BRCA1 or BRCA2. Genetic testing of these and other genes may be offered to women who may be at risk. The chances of an underlying genetic cause may be raised in a family if there is;
- A young cancer diagnosis,
- Certain types of breast cancer (histology),
- A strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer or
- Other cancers that can be linked together as part of a genetic cause.
Part of the family history clinic assessment is identifying women who may be eligible for genetic testing or may benefit from a further assessment with the cancer genetics service.
Information is available for patients who may be eligible for genetic testing, along with information about genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, associated cancer risks and management options for women are available on the Genetic Medicine Website
For families where there is a known inherited genetic change (pathogenic disease causing variant) in a high-risk cancer gene such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, relatives can either request a referral from their GP or self-refer to the Cancer Genetics service to discuss genetic testing. For self-referral, information is available on our website or via genetic.medicine@belfasttrust.hscni.net. Self-referrals are not accepted unless they include the details of affected family member and family reference number. Where women are concerned about cancer symptoms, they should seek advice from their GP or breast clinic in the first instance.
Links referenced in the overview video
- How to examine your breasts by Dr Liz O’Riordan – YouTube
- ‘Know your breasts: a guide to breast awareness and screening’ booklet (breastcancernow.org)
- Breast screening | HSC Public Health Agency (hscni.net)
- BRCA Link NI Home (brcani.co.uk) – Support groups for individuals who carry a BRCA mutation
- https://www.womens-health-concern.org/ – Information about menopausal symptoms
- Family history, genetics and cancer risk – Macmillan Cancer Support
Healthy Eating to help with breast cancer prevention
The Role of Exercise in Cancer Prevention
Victoria’s story
Thank you for taking the time to watch these videos. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact the Macmillan Information and Support Service.
