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
The links that are referenced in the overview video include:
- How to examine your breasts by Dr Liz O’Riordan | YouTube
- ‘Know your breasts: a guide to breast awareness and screening’ booklet | Breast Cancer Now
- Breast screening | HSC Public Health Agency
- BRCA Link NI – support groups for individuals who carry a BRCA (breast cancer) mutation
- Women’s Health Concern
- Family history, genetics and cancer risk | MacMillan
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.