Having a family history of breast cancer could mean two different things. About 5% to 10% of breast cancer cases are passed down from parent to child. Sometimes, several people in a family may have breast or other types of cancer. But even when no inherited or familial connection is found, breast cancer can still happen unexpectedly.

If you are someone under the age of 50, there are a lot of important life events that you can imagine in your future. Getting diagnosed with breast cancer is most likely not on that list of events, and for many young people, especially women, it never will be. However, there has been a growing number of younger women over the past few decades who are developing breast cancer, and researchers are trying to determine why.

When most people think of someone with breast cancer, they think about women. Many are surprised to find out that men can also get breast cancer. Personal stories from patients on websites show how common this myth is, and many men initially express disbelief and shock at being diagnosed with a “woman’s disease”.

When I was 15, I ended up in hospital with a ruptured, grapefruit-sized cyst on my left ovary. Two years later, another cyst required a second surgery. Years later, in my early 30s, a perforated appendix landed me back on the operating table. So, when I was diagnosed with breast cancer and surgery became part of my treatment plan, it felt old hat.

In Part 1, we looked at what genetic testing is and how it helps us understand breast cancer risk. Now let’s turn to the practical side: what to consider before testing, the possible results, how to get tested, and the role of genetic counsellors.

When we think about healthcare, municipal governments might not be the first thing that comes to mind. After all, they don’t run hospitals or provide cancer treatments the way provincial and territorial governments do. But local governments shape the communities where we live, and this has a huge influence on our health and wellbeing.

Genetic testing has become an important tool in understanding breast cancer risk. Whether you’ve heard about BRCA1 and BRCA2 or are just beginning to learn about hereditary cancer, knowing the basics can help you and your family make informed choices. In this first part, we’ll explore what genetic testing is, how it works, and why it matters for breast cancer.

A lump is one of the most discussed symptoms of breast cancer. However, a lump, and the other well-known signs of breast cancer, are not always the first thing you may notice. You may not even realize what you’re looking at could be a symptom of breast cancer. 

For most couples, breast cancer is completely new territory, so it’s important for both of you to share how you’re feeling and coping. You can’t expect your partner to automatically understand what you’re going through, and the same goes the other way around. They might not know how to best support you, which is why being open about your emotions, needs, and worries can help you stay connected.

As we mark World Breast Cancer Research Day on August 18th, we honour the researchers, scientists, and geneticists around the world for their contributions in the advancement of care and research for breast cancer. Here, we focus on some of the people who have made significant differences in improving care.