Hello my mum has recently been diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer , luckily it was caught early .
I understand that triple negative breast cancer can some times be caused by the BRCA gene or other genes.
mum is now undergoing genetic testing .
my question is as I have 2 girls , is triple negative classed as genetic if no gene is detected ?
If no gene is detected does that mean it’s just bad luck and me and my girls are at no more risk than anyone else ?
Thank you x
Hi Jesselee
Thank you for getting in touch and welcome to the Macmillan online community.
I see that you have joined the family & friends forum and the triple negative breast cancer forum. I hope that you are finding them informative and supportive.
I’m sorry to hear that your mum has had a diagnosis of triple negative breast cancer. It’s good to read that she is undergoing genetic testing.
Most women with triple negative breast cancer have no strong history of breast cancer in their families. Some women with triple negative breast cancer have an altered BRCA1 gene. This will have been inherited from a parent.
Cancer genes cannot skip or miss a generation. If your mum was to have the BRCA1 gene there is a 1 in 2 chance that it has been passed to you. So either you inherit it or you do not. If you do not have the BRCA1 gene, then you cannot pass it on to your children.
We have a booklet on cancer genetics that you may find helpful.
I hope this information helps. Please feel free to get back in touch if you want more information or support.
Best wishes,
Fiona M,
Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Ref/DT
Hi Jesselee,
My name is Penelope and I am one of the other Cancer Information Nurse Specialists.
If someone with triple negative breast cancer is not found to have a faulty gene (genetic mutation) then my understanding is that it would not be classed as hereditary. Information from Breast Cancer Now explains what happens if no known altered gene is found. You can read their information here under the heading ‘a negative result’. Due to the complexity of genetic testing, however we would always suggest that people are guided by their healthcare team in relation to their individual circumstances.
The reason that genetic testing may be offered to someone with a triple negative breast cancer is that most breast cancers caused by a gene called BRCA1 are triple negative. It is important to remember, however that most women with triple negative breast cancer have no strong history of breast cancer in their family.
Whilst you may not be at any increased risk of breast cancer, we would encourage anyone to be aware of their bodies and to report any changes. You may find it helpful to look at some information on being breast aware such as NHS – how should I check my breasts or Coppafeel!
If you would like to discuss any of the above further, then please don’t hesitate to give us a call on the number below.
Best wishes,
Penelope, Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
Ref/ BG
