My mum was diagnosed with BC in 2008, I was diagnosed this year with breast cancer, and my dad has just had a call to say that my cousin has ovarian cancer. I feel sick to the stomach as I believe there is a link. Any information greatly appreciated
This is definitely one to ask your specialists, as they will know what you have to do next if you’re thinking about genetic screening. And there are a few active threads on BRCA1 on the go, so take a look there too.
Sympathies to your cousin and hope she’s caught it early.
Hi stargazerlily
I’m sorry to hear that you are having a pretty tough time at the moment. You may find it helpful to read the BCC booklet on Breast Cancer in families. If you would like to order a copy or read this on line just follow the link below.
Also, it may help to talk to a member of our helpline staff who are there to offer emotional support as well as practical information. The free phone number is 0808 800 600 and the lines are open Monday to Friday 9.00 to 5.00 and Saturday 9.00 to 2.00.
Best wishes Sam, BCC Facilitator
Thanks sam and choccie. I am going to ring the helpline tomorrow and ask them what they think and also speak to the BCN at the Marsden on Tuesday. Think I need to take a deep breath and not jump ahead.
Hi SGL
there is a link with breast an ovarian cancers but not every breast and ovarian cancer that appears in a family is genetic or linked there is still sporadic cancers of both types.
you say you and mum have both had bc but mention that it was you dad who was informed about your cousin… does this mean she is related through your dad? obviously if she is then it wouldnt be related to your mum… if cousin is mums neice rather than dads then it would increase the risk of it being genetic… but the assessment not only looks at who is affected, but how they are related to one another, whether the affected person is related through an unaffected family member and what age the onset of cancer was.
eg if cousin got ov ca at 60, mum bc at 60 and you got bc at 40 it would increase your risk to moderate but sufficiently high to get a genetic analysis (although you would prob fit the criteria for the brca3 research trial). if it was maternal cousin whose mum was your mums sister this would lower the risk of it being genetic as aunt doesnt have oc or bc.
probably sounds really waffly sorry, but what im meaning is it may not be as negative a picture as it feels… hope your cousins treatment goes well, my aunt was just diagnosed with oc after going for a routine hyst and ooph for pelvic pain and inflamation… was quite a shock, but was very lucky as its very early stage… fingers crossed for your cuzzie.
Luluxxx