FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered: Is the Cancer in your family Hereditary?

What is hereditary cancer?

Hereditary Cancer occur because of a change (mutation) in certain genes that normally protect the body from developing cancer. This change increases a person’s risk for multiple cancers and can be passed from generation to generation.

Hereditary cancer risk can be passed down from mothers or fathers to daughters and sons.

BRCA1 and BRCA2 are the most common genes associated with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). Mutations in other genes can also increase risk for breast, ovarian and/or other cancers.

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Warning signs of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer

Risk is greater when you or any blood relative has had:

*ovarian or fallopian tube cancer at any age

*breast cancer at age 50 or younger

*more than one breast cancer diagnosis

*triple negative breast cancer

*Eastern European (Ashkenaz) Jewish ancestry and a history of breast or ovarian cancer

*male breast cancer

Risk is greater when more than one relative on the same side of the family has had any of these cancers:

*breast cancer

*ovarian or fallopian tube cancer

*prostate cancer

*Pancreatic cancer

Other gene mutations, such as those associated with Lynch and Cowden syndromes, have additional warning signs.

FORCE serves people and families affected by Hereditary cancers.

What is genetic testing and how might it affect you?

A blood or saliva test can tell if a BRCA or other cancer-causing mutation runs in your family.

If you test positive for a BRCA gene mutation, your lifetime risk for breast and ovarian cancer is very high.

If you test positive for a gene mutation, you have options for lowering your cancer risk and for detecting cancer at an earlier more treatable stage.

If you test positive for a BRCA mutation, each of your children and siblings has a 50% chance of carrying the mutation. Other relatives may also carry the mutation.

If you test negative for a BRCA mutation, your risk for breast and ovarian cancer varies, depending on other risk factors.

Test results may affect your health care decisions, so its important to speak with a genetics expert before and after genetic testing.

Your test results may make you eligible for enhanced cancer, screening, risk-reducing surgery or medication to lower your cancer risk. Your results may affect your cancer treatment options or allow you to participate in clinical trials of new therapies. Test results can increase your relatives access to genetic testing and medical services that can help them learn more about their cancer risk and how to reduce it.

You don’t need to face HBOC alone. FORCE is here for you!

Facingourrisk.org: Our website is the largest repository of expert-reviewed HBOC information.

Educational Materials: E-newsletters, webinars and printed materials provide HBOC information and news.

Peer Support Groups: Local peer support groups led by trained volunteers provide unbiased support and resources.

Joining FORCEs Conference: The largest HBOC gathering, our conference attracts people with BRCA mutations or a family history of cancer and medical professionals who treat this community.

Toll-free Helpline 1-866-288-RISK (7475): Trained volunteers answer calls in English and Spanish providing confidential support, resources and connections to others with similar experiences.

Message Boards: Maintained by an active HBOC community, our message boards reflect a large database of personal experiences.

ABOUT Research Registry: ABOUT is the only research created by and for the HBOC community. Visit aboutnetwork.org for enrollment information.

Where can I learn more about hereditary cancer?

Experts in cancer genetics can help you understand hereditary cancer and provide you and your family with information about you cancer risk.

If you would like to know if cancer runs in your family, please talk with a genetics expert about genetic testing for a hereditary mutation.

To find an expert in your area or to receive support and information, visit http://www.facingourrisk.org or call our peer support helpline at 866-288-RISK (7475).

FORCE: Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered. Fighting Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer.

http://www.facingourrisk.org

Disclaimer: This information was taken directly from the FORCE pamphlet and I give them full credit for all the information. Please call or email the above numbers for more information.