My Breakthrough
Explaining a family history
Although most people would consider that breast cancer in any relative means that there is a family history, the definition of what constitutes a family history of breast cancer is actually quite complex.
A person is said to have a family history of breast cancer if they have an unusually high number of close relatives with cancer, often at a younger age then would normally be expected.
For example, having one relative diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 50 or older is unlikely to constitute a family history.
Other factors considered in determining a family history are cases of male breast cancer, ovarian cancer or breast cancer in both breasts within the family.
For example, having one relative diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 50 or older is unlikely to constitute a family history.
Other factors considered in determining a family history are cases of male breast cancer, ovarian cancer or breast cancer in both breasts within the family.
The majority of women who develop breast cancer do not have a family
history of breast cancer.
- The majority of women who develop breast cancer do not have a family history of breast cancer.
- Sometimes the disease does run in families and this is called familial or hereditary breast cancer.
- Hereditary breast cancer is identified by certain patterns of cancers in a family history.
- These patterns of cancer suggest that there may be a hereditary factor or factors (known as genes), passed down through generations that can contribute to the development of cancer.
Your concerns about your family history
If you are concerned about your family history of cancer then you should consult your GP. You should take as much information with you as possible. Here is a number of things your GP will need to know. Depending on your family history, your GP may refer you to a family history clinic.
