Fear of hereditary breast cancer

The survey found that nine out of ten people overestimate their risk of inherited cancers when someone in their family has had cancer, and 60% think that family history is the biggest risk factor.

The BRCA gene, which can cause inherited breast and ovarian cancer, is relatively rare and causes fewer than 10% of cases of these cancers, while increasing age and lifestyle choices such as smoking are the most significant factors.

With so many people unnecessarily concerned about their possibility of getting inherited breast or ovarian cancer, Macmillan has launched OPERA (Online Personal Education and Risk Assessment) – an online interactive software program which gives personalised information on a person’s risk of inherited breast and ovarian cancer and where to get further advice.

Mike Richards, the Government’s National Cancer Director, commented: “For many, this scheme will provide reassurance that the risk is not as high as they feared. For others it will provide the information which prompts them to see their GP and get tested for the BRCA gene, or to be referred appropriately for further genetic assessment.”

OPERA can be accessed at www.macmillan.org.uk/genetics