What does it mean for other relatives?

Faults in BRCA1 and 2 are passed down from generation to generation. New faults in these genes are exceptionally rare. That means if you carry a faulty BRCA gene, so does one of your parents. It can be either your mother or your father. Sometimes you can tell which one, because they or their relatives have been diagnosed with cancer, but it is not always clear unless genetic testing is done.

Other relatives of that parent may also carry the same gene fault.

If you have brothers or sisters, each of them will have a 50:50 chance of carrying any gene fault found in you.

Relatives who have previously been diagnosed with cancer may be more likely to carry the gene fault found in you, depending on the type of cancer they have had, and the age at which they were diagnosed.

Individuals found to carry a BRCA gene fault are strongly encouraged to pass on the information to relevant family members, and are assisted by genetic counselling staff.