Being told you have an increased risk of developing breast cancer can be a difficult time and it can be hard to know where to turn for trusted information and support. Below is a list of resources that may be helpful.
Information resources
• Family history of breast cancer: Managing your risk booklet
• Our support pages:
• Macmillan Cancer Support - Inherited breast and ovarian cancer
• FORCE - This is an American resource but has some fantastic information about the different gene alterations that can increase cancer risk
• CRUK - Family history of breast cancer and inherited genes
• Someone Like Me peer support service- - Someone Like Me | Breast Cancer Now
• BRCA+ meet up- Future Dreams Charity Monthly BRCA+ Project Meet-up
• Local support groups- Your specialist genetics team will be able to signpost you to any local support services run either by the hospital or local charities.
Can I see what a mastectomy or breast reconstruction looks like?
We often get asked about seeing real life images of different types of breast reconstructions or flat closure mastectomy images.
While we’re not able to share photos on this forum, below is a list of websites that either have galleries of photos or ‘show and tell’ sessions to meet others who have had risk reducing surgery.
• Restore - breast reconstruction show and tell events
• BRCA Chat - Mastectomy gallery
• Flat friends- Mastectomy gallery
• Keeping Abreast Video Journey Roadmap
• Local services - Some hospital trusts run support and information sessions, including show and tell sessions.