do i have to have inherited the BRCA1 gene from my dad, for my daughter to have been diagnosed with it… meaning, that i got it of my dad and my daughter got it of me ?
i dont even know, if my dad HAS the BRCA gen BUT i strongly believe so, as his mum died with 36 of breast cancer, all her 3sisters did die of breast cancer, my fathers mum’s brother also did die of cancer. also my fathers sister did die of cancer- even if it was a agressive for of cancer in her abdomen. there is more cancer history but not as in breast or ovarien cancer- least im not aware of it.
myself, our son, my husband and his brothers are all going for the testing. but i would like to know, if it was me, who did pass this damn monster on to my daughter ?!
many thanks in advance, for an reply 
T
Hi templar-1310
Thank you for your post.
It is understandable you want to know why your daughter has been diagnosed as having a BRCA 1 gene alteration and whether you could have passed it on to her. This must a difficult time as you mention your daughter’s diagnosis and that you, your son, husband and other relatives are going to have genetic testing.
It is difficult to say whether the BRCA 1 gene alteration has been passed onto your daughter from you until you have the results of your genetic testing.
When thinking about family history of breast cancer and genetic alterations, it’s important to consider relatives on both the mother’s and father’s side of the family.
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Both women and men can inherit, carry and pass on an altered gene that increases the risk of breast cancer. While a man with an altered gene is less likely to develop breast cancer himself, he can pass the altered gene on to his children which it appears you are aware of.
It must be difficult for you as a mum and could cause you to feel quite anxious, frustrated or even angry at times. Unlike other health-related issues, there is an extra set of challenges for BRCA gene alteration carriers – the risks for you, your relatives and the impact it has.
You may be interested in this information booklet produced by the Royal Marsden which has been put together to provide answers to some of the many questions people have when there is a BRCA 1 alteration in the family and the impact on other family members.
As you and your family are having genetic testing there will be support available to you. This may be through a genetic counsellor in a regional genetic centre, it may be helpful to find this out, so you can ask the questions you have and access any support available.
Talking to someone who has had a similar experience can often be helpful. Our Someone Like Me service can match you with a trained volunteer who’s had a similar experience to you. You can be in touch with your volunteer by phone or email and they can share their personal experiences to answer your questions, offer support or simply listen to how you are feeling.
You can ring the Someone Like Me team on 0800 138 6551 or email them at someone.likeme@breastcancernow.org, so they can then match you to your volunteer. This service would be available for your daughter as well.
Do call our helpline if you would like to talk about what is happening and how you are feeling as sometimes it is easier to talk on the phone or have any further questions. The helpline team have time to listen, talk things through and signpost you to additional support and information if necessary. Your call will be confidential, and the number is free from UK landlines and all mobile networks.
The number is 0808 800 6000. If you have hearing or speech difficulties prefix our number with 18001 and the call will go through Relay UK. Our helpline has access to telephone interpreters if language translation is required.
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Best wishes
Helen
Breast Care Nurse
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