Second Chances

See your family physician to request a referral to a genetics consultant in your area. Once accepted, the genetics counsellor will send you an assessment form for you to complete in regard to other family members who have had breast or ovarian cancer.  The counsellor will then send you for a blood test.  It takes the genetics team approximately 6 months to turn your results around.  The sooner you request the referral, the better.  The counsellor will call you with your results and provide a written report and suggestions for follow-up.

Everyone has genes that help to protect us against cancer.  If one of these genes is not working properly, there is an increased risk of developing cancer.  A non-working gene can be passed down in families.

If you have tested positive for the genetic mutation of RAD51C, your siblings and children are at risk by 50% of also having this genetic mutation.

  Suppose you do not have the Familial RAD51C pathogenic variant. In that case, it is reassuring to know that you may not be at an increased risk of developing cancer, and your risks are similar to the general population. If you do have the familial RAD51C pathogenic variant, this is important information for your health and should be followed up with a genetic counsellor.