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 Section
This information is referenced in the overview video
Information leaflets for downloading
Tamoxifen – For women with a family history of breast cancer deciding whether to take Tamoxifen for risk reduction.
Anastrozole – For post menopausal women with a high risk of breast cancer
Raloxifene – For women with a family history of breast cancer deciding whether to take Raloxifene for risk reduction.
Cancer Genetics Service
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 webpage.
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
- How to examine your breasts by Dr Liz O’Riordan – YouTube
- ‘Know your breasts: a guide to breast awareness and screening’ booklet (breastcancernow.org)
- Breast screening | HSC Public Health Agency (hscni.net)
- BRCA Link NI Home (brcani.co.uk) – Support groups for individuals who carry a BRCA mutation
Healthy Eating to help with breast cancer prevention
The Role of Exercise in Cancer Prevention
Victoria’s story
Macmillan Information & Support Service – contact details
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
Contact number: 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
Contact numbers: 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
FAQ
The Breast Family History Clinic has developed a Frequently Asked Questions document that may help answer some questions you have about the service.