Download Is the Cancer in Your Family Hereditary?

LIVE LIFE EMPOWERED
Is the Cancer in Your Family Hereditary?
What is
hereditary
cancer?
Hereditary cancers 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.
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 (Ashkenazi)
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
FORCE Affected
Serves People
by
and
Families Affected
Hereditary
Cancers
by Hereditary Cancers
?
?
Survivors
Previvors
BRCA1
BRCA2
PALB2, PTEN,
Other Genes
Family History
of Cancer
Untested or
Status Unknown
What is genetic
testing and how
might it affect
you?
You don’t need
to face HBOC
alone. FORCE is
here for you!
A blood or saliva test can tell if a
BRCA or other cancer-causing
mutation runs in your family.
Facingourrisk.org
Our website is the largest repository
of expert-reviewed HBOC
information.
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 it’s 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.
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 your 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 www.facingourrisk.org or call
our peer support helpline at
866-288-RISK (7475).
www.facingourrisk.org
LIVE LIFE EMPOWERED
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 registry
created by and for the HBOC community. Visit aboutnetwork.org for
enrollment information.