Family Ties
Heredity Affects Women's Risk of Breast Cancer

Genetics plays a role in everything from eye color to temperament. It also influences our likelihood of disease, such as breast cancer. About 5 to 10 percent of breast cancers are thought to be hereditary.

Most inherited cases of breast cancer are associated with two abnormal genes, BRCA1 (BReast CAncer gene 1) and BRCA2 (BReast CAncer gene 2). Women who are diagnosed with breast cancer and have an abnormal BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene often have a family history of breast cancer, ovarian cancer and other cancers. You are more likely to have an abnormal breast cancer gene if:

• You have blood relatives (grandmothers, mother, sisters, aunts) on either your mother's or father's side of the family who had breast cancer diagnosed before age 50.

• There is both breast and ovarian cancer in your
family, particularly in a single individual.

• Women in your family have had cancer in both breasts.

• You are of Ashkenazi (Eastern European) Jewish ancestry with significant personal and/or family history of breast or ovarian cancer.

• You are African-American and have been diagnosed with breast cancer at age 35 or younger.

Cancer Genetic Counseling

Inova's Cancer Genetic Counseling Program serves women who may be at increased risk for hereditary breast cancer. An expert genetecist sees patients and their families for many different types of cancer, including breast, ovarian and colon cancer. They can help to answer questions regarding whether your breast cancer was inherited, if your children are at risk, if the results of genetic counseling affect your treatment and if you are at risk for developing other types of cancer. Cancer genetic counseling offers
the following:

• An initial visit of one hour

• A review of medical history, family history and other cancer risk factors

• An estimate of the likelihood that cancers in a family are hereditary

• Recommendations of cancer screenings and other risk-reducing strategies

• Discussion of the benefits, limitations and risks of genetic testing

• Genetic test(s) and a follow-up meeting to discuss results. A breast care navigator can help arrange genetic counseling for you.

Call 703-858-8867 to find out more.
To learn more or to make a genetic counseling appointment, attend our event (see Link to Pink) on Oct. 1.