Ask an Expert is a free question-and-answer service about breast cancer and breast health that is available on weekends. If you'd like to ask a question or comment, please visit us again on Saturday or Sunday. In the meantime, please search the existing topics using the search tool at the top of the page. It's quite possible that one of our many existing topics already addresses your question.
If you would like a consultation with a breast specialist at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center, call 443-778-2778. It is possible to get an appointment for a second opinion within a few days of contacting us.
We hope you find the information helpful!
| Forum | Questions | Ask a Question | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Concerns about Breast Cancer Family History Questions on genetics, family history & breast cancer. |
555 |  |
| Asked | Publicly Submitted Question | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/16/2011 | My paternal grandmother was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 60s, followed by another primary cancer a few years later. Her mother was diagnosed in her 40s followed by another primary (however she did not die from this). Neither were ever diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I understand that two primaries are a hint at a genetic mutation. I learned that my paternal grandmother had her ovaries removed for unknown reasons in her 50s (would this affect that she got diagnosed with breast cancer much later than her mother, or does this have nothing to do with it?) I am 30 years old and recently found out that I am a BRCA1 carrier. I am meeting again with a counsel and doctor to discuss screenings and preventive measures. My mother does not have BRCA so I know it comes from my dad’s side. My question is: it possible that the gene I have came from my father’s father side and not from his mother’s side? If I got the gene from my paternal grandmother’s side, is it possible for the gene to act different in each person? I am asking because before I found out that I was a carrier, I was more concerned about breast cancer than ovarian, but now that I know I am a carrier I am more concerned about ovarian. Does it matter at all that there is no known cases of ovarian cancer on that side of my family where it is assumed that the gene came from? | ||
| Replied | JHU's Breast Center Reply | ||
| 3/16/2011 | We get 50% of our genes from our Mother and 50% from our Father. The fact that there is a family history of breast cancer on your father's side of the family probably indicates the gene came from father's side. That being said, it would seem more likely that the gene came from your father's mothers side, since these are the people known to have breast cancer. Your genetic counselor should have done a family pedigree to track both maternal and paternal cancer incidence.In terms of your paternal GM having ovaries removed, since most breast cancers are ER positive, the likely hood is that removal of ovaries would/could decrease incidence breast cancer.Please talk throughly with a genetic counselor specializing in oncology and also talk with a medical oncologist on high risk prevention and surveillance methods. Best wishes. | ||
Please note: This service is not intended to provide primary medical advice concerning specific medical care or treatment. Ask an Expert is a free service operated by health care professionals at the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Center. Due to the volume of questions and their complexity, there are times when medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists or oncology nurses are consulted for their input. These individuals volunteer their time for this service and will respond as soon as they are able. Please do not post or send the same question to us in multiple locations or categories.