[ PRINT ] [ Printing FAQ ] About OncoLink Editorial Board Sponsors Help See Today's OncoTip Usage Statistics Virtual Classroom Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute "Confronting Cancer Through Art" is an exhibition by people whose lives have been touched by cancer. This week we are featuring artwork by: Jacqueline Kniewasser Pontypool, Ontario Visit the Children's Art Gallery This week's artwork was donated by a pediatric cancer patient who received treatment for cancer at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

OncoLink FAQ: How Family History Effects the Probability of BRCA1 or BRCA2 Last Revision Date: Tuesday, 30-Mar-1999 10:08:30 EST Copyright © 1994-1999, The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania This is a response to a question from an OncoLink reader who is concerned with how family history effects the probability of BRCA 1 or 2 mutation. Question: I am wondering what the probability is of finding the gene alterations BRCA1 or BRCA2 in a family where: only one person in the family is affected by breast cancer or ovarian cancer; two persons in the family are affected by breast cancer or ovarian cancer; only one person in the family is affected both with breast cancer and ovarian cancer? Also, what is the risk for breast and ovarian cancer in the people you find to be BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 mutation carriers? Jill E. Stopfer, MS Certified Genetic Counselor for the University of Pennsylvania Cancer Risk Evaluation Programs, responds: There are several issues in calculating the chance of finding a BRCA1 or BRCA2 alteration, also called the "prior probability" of finding a mutation. The only way to determine the prior probability is to take a detailed family history. The family history must include all cancer diagnoses, not just breast and/or ovarian cancer, all ages at diagnosis, and ethnicity. An individualized risk assessment would shed more light on your personal risk. Also, please speak to your doctor about the appropriate screening guidelines for a person with your profile and family history. If you are interested in finding a cancer genetics professional in their area - there is a site within the NCI that can provide that information. Please see The Familial Cancer Risk Counseling & Genetic Testing Information Search Form The cancer risks associated with a BRCA1 or 2 mutation are usually presented as a range, since different studies have come up with different risk information. LIFETIME breast and ovarian Cancer risks for BRCA1: breast (female) 56-85% ovarian 20-60% other associated cancers, risks less clearly defined: prostate, colon LIFETIME breast and ovarian cancer risks for BRCA2: breast (female) 56-85% ovarian 10-20% breast (MALE) 6% other associated cancer, risks less clearly defined: prostate, pancreatic

GENERAL DISCLAIMER OncoLink is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice or professional services. The information provided through OncoLink should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.

For further information, consult the Editors at: editors@oncolink.upenn.edu