What should you know about hereditary breast and ovarian cancer?

An inherited gene change can be passed through a family and may raise the chance of certain cancers. Having a gene change does not mean a person definitely has cancer, and a family history can be informative even when no relative has had genetic testing. Results may be positive, negative or uncertain, so genetic counselling helps explain what a result means for the individual and relatives.

BRCA genes are among the genes considered in hereditary breast and ovarian cancer assessment. The same family pattern may affect decisions about breast, ovarian, prostate or other cancer screening.

Share a three-generation family history with a clinician, including cancer types, approximate ages at diagnosis and known genetic results. A genetic counsellor can discuss BRCA genetic testing, consent, possible results and which relatives might benefit from advice.

If cancer is suspected or diagnosed, care may include pelvic ultrasound, genomic tumour profiling, chemotherapy, ovarian cancer debulking surgery or oophorectomy, depending on the findings and goals. Risk-reduction surgery is a personal decision that should include discussion of fertility, menopause, hormone health and emotional support.

Arrange medical review for persistent bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full quickly, a changing breast lump, nipple changes or unusual vaginal bleeding. Seek urgent help for severe pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, difficulty breathing or repeated vomiting. These symptoms have many possible causes, but persistent or sudden changes deserve assessment.

Ask whether your family history meets criteria for genetic counselling, what a test can and cannot reveal, and how results could change screening or prevention. Ask how relatives can access counselling, whether tumour testing differs from inherited testing, and what support is available before any risk-reduction operation.