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The Breast Family History Resources

Hello and welcome to our family history information and support videos.

We are part of a group of health care professionals and patients from across Northern Ireland who have developed information and resources for people who may have a risk of developing breast cancer due to their family history.

The aim of these resources is to give guidance on how you can reduce your risk of developing breast cancer.

They provide all the information and support you need at the touch of a button. They also provide contact details should you have any further questions.

Introducing the Breast Family History Resources

Overview of the Breast Family History Clinic

Further Information

It is uncommon for breast cancer to be caused by an inherited genetic change (disease causing) in a high-risk cancer gene such as BRCA1 or BRCA2.  Genetic testing of these and other genes may be offered to women who may be at risk.   The chances of an underlying genetic cause may be raised in a family if there is;

  • A young cancer diagnosis,
  • Certain types of breast cancer (histology),
  • A strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer or
  • Other cancers that can be linked together as part of a genetic cause.

Part of the family history clinic assessment is identifying women who may be eligible for genetic testing or may benefit from a further assessment with the cancer genetics service.

Information for patients who may be eligible for genetic testing, along with information about genes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, associated cancer risks and management options for women are available on the Genetic Medicine Website.

For families where there is a known inherited genetic change (pathogenic disease causing variant) in a high-risk cancer gene such as BRCA1 or BRCA2,  relatives can either request a referral from their GP or self-refer to the Cancer Genetics service to discuss genetic testing.  For self-referral, information is available on our website or via genetic.medicine@belfasttrust.hscni.net.
Self-referrals are not accepted unless they include the details of affected family member and family reference number.   Where women are concerned about cancer symptoms, they should seek advice from their GP or breast clinic in the first instance.

Links referenced in the overview video

Healthy Eating to help with breast cancer prevention

The Role of Exercise in Cancer Prevention

Victoria’s story

Access to the family history service will vary by trust. In the Southern Trust, we recommend that Family History patients with a new symptom should visit their GP in the first instance.

Thank you for taking the time to watch these videos. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your local Macmillan Information & Support Service. Please watch our Macmillan Information & Support Regional video below to see how they could help support you.

Macmillan information & support services

Belfast Health and Social Care Trust

028 961 50077
Email: cancer.info@belfasttrust.hscni.net

Southern Health and Social Care Trust

Contact Numbers: 028 3756 1001/ 07718 198818
Email: macmillaninfo&support@southerntrust.hscni.net

South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust

Contact Numbers: 028 9055 3246/028 9598 0028
Email: macmillan.informationandsupport@setrust.hscni.net

Northern Health and Social Care Trust

Tel: 028 9442 4000 ext 333079 Mob: 077 9584 5435
Email: cancerinformation@northerntrust.hscni.net

Western Health and Social Care Trust

Contact Numbers: 07342075636 / 02871320105
Email: macmillan.information@westerntrust.hscni.net

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