We encourage you to speak with your family members. People who are aware of their higher cancer risk can take steps to prevent cancers or detect them at earlier stages. Earlier diagnosis can help patients live longer, with a higher quality of life.

If you tested positive for BRCA1 or BRCA2, it is a good idea to speak with your family about your genetic test results for the following reasons:

• The BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation that you have was most likely passed down to you from one of your parents.
  This means that one of your parents may have the same mutation, and may be at higher risk of developing certain cancers.
• If you have siblings, each of them has a 50% chance of having the same mutation as you.
  Male relatives are just as likely to pass down BRCA mutations as female relatives.

• If you tested negative for a pathogenic BRCA mutation, talking to your family members about your test results is important because it will provide them with more accurate risk information.
  Speaking with family may also provide reassurance to family members about their cancer risk.
  
• If you underwent carrier testing with a negative result, it is still important to speak with your family members.
  For example, if you have siblings, though you received a negative result, your siblings may carry a cancer-causing genetic variant.

There are many ways that you can communicate with your family about genetic testing. We encourage you to think about how you would normally connect with your family about important issues. You may speak with your family members in person, over the phone, or by writing a letter.

You do not have to speak with your family members alone. If there is someone else in your family whom you would like to have with you, or a well-respected and approachable family member, consider speaking to them first. It may be helpful to have someone like this with you when you attempt to speak with other members of your family.

If you choose to talk to your family members in person or over the phone, it may be helpful to bring the following along with you.

• Your test results
• The BRCA1 and BRCA2 information packet that was provided to you by the Hereditary Cancer Program
• A summary of recommendations provided to you by your genetic counsellor
• Your genetic counsellor’s contact information.

This way, if your family members have questions or would like to speak with a genetic counsellor, you will be able to provide them with the information and resources that they need.

If you are not comfortable communicating directly with your family members about genetic testing, we encourage you to direct them to contact the Hereditary Cancer Program. The HCP can be reached by phone:

Vancouver telephone: 604-877-6000 local 672198

Abbotsford telephone: 604-851-4710 local 645236