The majority of cancer occurs by chance.  In about 5-10% of cases, the cancer is hereditary and the risks are higher.  Individuals with hereditary breast and ovarian cancer are born with a gene change that leads to an increased chance for developing cancer and can be passed down through generations in the family.  Many  hereditary breast and ovarian cancers are associated with mutations in two genes, known as BRCA1 and BRCA2.  These mutations can also increase the risk of prostate cancer. If an individual has a mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2, each of his or her children has a 50% chance of inheriting the mutation and therefore is at increased risk for these cancers.  Although males may not have the same cancer risks as females, fathers can still carry a gene mutation that may be passed on to their children.  Genetic tests are available for mutations in these genes.  If a parent does not have a mutation their children cannot inherit it from them. The HBOC Society provides information to anyone concerned about their risk of hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

Click to view/print On-line access to this booklet was made possible by a donation from HBOC Member Jackie Swindlehurst, in memory of her Aunt Irene Rhodes Contact the HBOC Society for a price list for bulk orders

CONFERENCES / SEMINARS / WORKSHOPS

The HBOC Society organizes seminars, workshops and peer support meetings and attends and supports related events.   Click here for a list of past events and check the Calendar of Events for what's upcoming.

Quarterly Newsletter

We publish a Quarterly Newsletter called Gene Scene. To receive your own personal copy by mail or email, go to the Membership page and join the HBOC Society!