About 5% to 10% of breast cancer cases are passed down through families. Sometimes, several people in a family may have breast or other types of cancer, even if no specific gene mutation is found. This is called familial breast cancer. Having a family history can raise your risk, but it doesn’t always mean the cancer is genetic.

While mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes are now well-publicized, there are other, lesser-known genetic mutations which can significantly increase the likelihood of developing breast cancer as well. Understanding these genetic risks allows individuals to make informed decisions about their health, from preventive measures to early detection strategies. Here, we discuss the lesser-known genetic mutations that can also impact the risk of developing breast cancer.

Both men and women have breast tissue, and while men don’t have the ability to produce milk, their breast cells can still develop into cancer. About 1 in 5 men with breast cancer have a close relative —male or female—who also had the disease. Research indicates that biological males make up half of the U.S. population carrying a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, genes commonly linked to breast cancer in women.

It all started in July 2021. A drop of bloody nipple discharge led me down the rabbit hole of Google and WebMD which, for once, was actually reassuring - it’s usually harmless. I scheduled an appointment with my doctor the following day who shared the same sentiment – it is probably nothing, but I will refer you to a breast clinic just in case. As a 30-year-old with no family history of breast cancer and a couple of benign fibroadenomas, I wasn’t too worried, and neither was my Surgical Oncologist initially; the odds were in my favour, it was likely benign. And so I attended my ultrasound, mammogram, and biopsy appointments – each time observing how the other women in the waiting room were decades older than me.

A genetic counsellor is a health care professional with specialized education, training, and experience in medical genetics and counselling. Genetic counsellors work with both individuals and families that have a medical, family history, or potential risk for an inherited condition. The role of a genetic counsellor is to identify families at risk for genetic conditions, provide information and supportive counselling, coordinate and review testing options, and connect patients/families with appropriate community resources.

In October 2013, Allegra Kawa of Edmonton had surgery to remove both her breasts.  She’s also considering surgery to remove her ovaries and uterus.