Genetics – breast cancer in the family
Hereditary breast cancer is rare. It is believed that only around one in twenty of all breast cancers in women and up to two in five in men are due to inherited faults in known breast cancer genes.
You might be considered to have a family history if you have an unusually high number of close relatives with certain other cancers, or breast cancer at a young age.
Family history scenarios suggestive of a genetic link could be:
- two or more close family members diagnosed with breast cancer under the age of 50
- three or more close family members developing cancer before they reach 60
- four or more close family members of any age with cancer.
Bear in mind that these aren’t the only indications - other patterns of breast cancer in families are also common.
A family history of breast cancer will increase your risk of developing the disease.
If you’re concerned about hereditary cancer, your GP can help you work out if your family history puts you at increased risk.
If your GP feels you do have a family history, you may be referred to a genetics clinic or family history clinic for more specialist consultations.
