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Should males be concerned about genetic breast cancer risk?

Page last modified on: August 26, 2008
Question from WillRoth: I am a male who has had breast cancer. I have no children, but should my brother be concerned about his boys?
Answers —Terri McHugh, M.D.: A male with breast cancer has a 20% chance of having a BRCA mutation. Genetic testing would be indicated for you, and if you are found to have the mutation, then other family members can make decisions regarding testing.
Carol Cherry, M.S.N., R.N., A.P.R.N., B.C.: I would strongly recommend to families who are considering genetic testing to seek out counseling as part of your decision making process. We've seen problems with a person being tested without fully understanding the process, and then having to pick up the pieces, so to speak, afterwards. I'd like to spare people that difficulty by having the counseling they deserve up front.
Terri McHugh, M.D.: When genetic testing is performed, it is also extremely important that the patients understand their breast cancer risk. Whether that risk be that of a mutation carrier, or one that is based on a family history in the absence of a mutation, it is important that these individuals are guided and have the appropriate screening and potentially risk reduction surgeries performed.

On Wednesday, March 19, 2008, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Breast Cancer Risk and Your Family. Carol Cherry, M.S.N., R.N., A.P.R.N., B.C. and Terri McHugh, M.D. answered your questions about how family genes affect risk, pros and cons of genetic testing, and ways to lower your breast cancer risk.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Carol Cherry, M.S.N., R.N., A.P.R.N., B.C.Carol Cherry, M.S.N, R.N., A.P.R.N, B.C. is health educator, Research Project Manager, and Cancer Risk Counselor in the Margaret Dyson Family Risk Assessment Program at the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Pennsylvania.

Terri McHugh, M.D. is a medical oncologist/hematologist and director of the Cancer Risk Assessment and Genetics program.

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