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You or a family member might be at increased risk for breast or ovarian cancer with any of the following family history:
- Breast cancer diagnosis under the age of 50 in two first-degree relatives
- More than one cancer in the same person
- Three or more relatives with the same type of cancer, or breast or ovarian cancer at any age
- First-degree relative with cancer diagnosis in both breasts (bilateral breast cancer)
- Two or more relatives diagnosed with ovarian cancer, regardless of age at diagnosis
- A relative diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer, regardless of age at diagnosis
- Male breast cancer
- Rare cancers
- Breast and ovarian cancer in close family members
- Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish descent with breast or ovarian cancer at any age
If you meet one or more of these risk factors, you should talk to your doctor or seek genetic counseling. You can find a certified genetic counselor and learn more about genetic counseling through the National Society of Genetic Counselors.
To prepare for a cancer risk assessment with a genetic counselor you should obtain the following:
- Information about family members who have had cancer
- Specific cancer diagnoses (second primary cancer, recurrent cancer, etc.)
- Age at cancer diagnosis
- Copies of any medical reports available (pathology reports, genetic test results, death certificates, etc.)
- Information about family members who have not had cancer
- Current age or age of death in family members diagnosed with cancer
- Screening practices (mammography, CA-125, age screening was initiated, etc.)
- Any risk-reducing behaviors such as chemoprevention (e.g., tamoxifen, bilateral oopherectomy, etc.)
More details about BRCA1 and BRCA2 and cancer risk are available through the National Cancer Institute.
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