Familial Breast Cancer Clinic

We provide genetic counselling for patients with a personal or family history of breast or ovarian cancer.

What we do

The Familial Breast Cancer Clinic offers genetic counselling and referrals for genetic testing for patients who have a personal and/or family history of breast or ovarian cancer.

Our counsellors support people with the following personal or family history:

A first-degree relative (parents, siblings, children) who is a carrier of a breast cancer gene mutation
Two or more cases of breast cancer and/or ovarian cancer in first or second-degree relatives (grandparents, aunts, half-siblings) on the same side of the family
Breast cancer at age 35 or younger
Bilateral breast cancers (having tumours in both breasts)
Both breast and ovarian cancer in the same patient
Serious ovarian cancer at any age
Male breast cancer at any age
Breast and/or ovarian cancer in Ashkenazi Jewish families

Genetic testing searches your DNA for mutations in your genes that can cause a higher risk of cancer. The most common genes linked to hereditary breast cancer are called BRCA1 and BRCA2. Having an inherited mutation in one of these genes increases the risk of breast and ovarian cancer in women, and the risks of prostate and male breast cancers in men

Not all breast cancers are hereditary. Most cancers happen due to environmental exposures, lifestyle factors or by chance. It is possible that genetic testing will show there is no mutation in you genes.

We offer a wide range of services and research programs. Our genetic counsellors determine whether you are eligible for screening through the High-Risk Ontario Breast Screening Program and genetic testing.

What to expect

Your appointment may be in-person or over the phone. During your appointment, our genetic counsellor will review your medical and family history. We will ask you about the type of cancer your relatives have had and how old they were when they were diagnosed.

Based on this information, the genetic counsellor determines whether you are eligible for the High Risk Ontario Breast Cancer Screening Program, genetic testing or both.

The High Risk ODSP provides an annual mammogram and breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound for women between the ages of 30 and 69 who are considered to have a higher risk of breast cancer than the general population. The goal of this program is to detect breast cancers at an earlier stage, when they are easier to treat.

If you are eligible for genetic testing, the genetic counsellor will discuss what to consider when deciding whether to get the test.

If you decide to have genetic testing, you receive an appointment for a simple blood test at Mount Sinai Hospital. Once the results are available, your counsellor will discuss them with you over the phone or in person and provide you with next steps or referrals to other health care professionals. We will also provide recommendations to the physician who referred you.

If the test shows you carry a hereditary predisposition, you may be offered ongoing clinical follow-up through our high-risk clinic.