My Breakthrough
Other sources of information
There are numerous organisations that provide information relating to aspects of hereditary breast cancer.
The list below by no means includes all of them, but gives some suggestions about where to start to find information on different areas.
Please note that Breakthrough Breast Cancer has not reviewed all the contents of every link, and has no control over content on these links. We would urge you to treat any information obtained from sources on the Internet with caution.
Information on hereditary breast and / or ovarian cancer:
Explanations of DNA, genes, mutations and heredity:
Genetics and Insurance:
The location of Clinical Genetics Units around the country:
Please note that Breakthrough Breast Cancer has not reviewed all the contents of every link, and has no control over content on these links. We would urge you to treat any information obtained from sources on the Internet with caution.
Information on hereditary breast and / or ovarian cancer:
CancerHelp UK
CancerHelp UK is the patient website of Cancer Research UK. It provides information about a number of cancers including breast and ovarian cancer. There is also information about current clinical trials. The information nurses at Cancer Research UK provide a confidential service. They can be contacted by telephone, on 020 7061 8355 from 9 AM until 5PM from Monday to Friday, or by e-mail, at cancer.info@cancer.org.ukBreast Cancer Care
Breast Cancer Care publish factsheets and booklets on a wide range of breast cancer and breast health issues, including a factsheet on hereditary breast cancer. Other topics include treatment options, benign breast disease and social and emotional issues. All publications are available on-line from their website or are available free by calling Breast Cancer Care's helpline on 0808 800 6000 (Monday to Friday 10 AM until 5 PM and Saturday 10 AM until 2 PM), textphone 0808 800 6001.Cancerbackup
Cancerbackup is the largest provider of cancer information in Europe, providing information on all aspects of cancer, including breast, ovarian and other cancers. All information is free and up-to-date. It is available on their website, via their freephone helpline, in booklets and factsheets. They have titles on primary and secondary breast cancer, breast reconstruction, breast screening, ovarian cancer and cancer genetics. You can ask specialist cancer information nurses questions via email from their website or via their freephone helpline number (0808 800 1234) between 9 AM and 7 PM from Monday to Friday. This service is also available in other languages.Ovacome
Ovacome provides information about ovarian cancer within its 'Helpfinder' section. Their website is packed full of articles including some factsheets which can be found online.The National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute, based in the USA, have a Breast Cancer Home Page. This page leads to extremely detailed information about hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, which is available in a printable format.The Royal Marsden Hospital
The Royal Marsden Hospital has information written specifically for patients about different cancers and treatments. This information can be accessed on their website.FORCE
FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered) provides good information and support in a friendly format. However, they are an American site, so information on the service to expect and insurance are not correct for the UK.Explanations of DNA, genes, mutations and heredity:
The Genetic Science Learning Centre
The Genetic Science Learning Centre, based at the Eccles Institute of Human Genetics, University of Utah, have a really good introduction to DNA, genes, chromosomes, proteins, heredity and traits.The Breast Cancer Genetics Network
The Breast Cancer Genetics Network, based in Michigan, have good information about: basic genetics, cancer and genetics, genes associated with breast cancer, genetic testing and managing your cancer risk. The section on 'visiting a cancer genetics clinic' is not relevant as it is based on the system in the US and not the system in the UK.Genetics and Insurance:
GAIC (the Genetics and Insurance Committee)
GAIC (the Genetics and Insurance Committee) reports to Health, Science, and Treasury Ministers. Their primary roles are (1) to monitor the insurance industry's compliance with the moratorium, and (2) to consider applications for allowing different predictive genetic tests to be used to help set premiums for a variety of insurance policies.HGC(the Human Genetics Commission)
HGC (the Human Genetics Commission) are an independent body who provide advice to the Government and other committees. Their website has information on various aspects of genetics - including its use in employment and insurance.Health advice:
NHS Direct Online
NHS Direct Online can offer information about (1) different illnesses or conditions, (2) choosing the best treatment for you and (3) the NHS.The location of Clinical Genetics Units around the country:
The British Society for Human Genetics
The British Society for Human Genetics have a map and contact details for all of the 21 Clinical Genetics Units in the UK on their website.
Also within "Family history"
