National Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline

Tel: 01629 813000
Web: www.breastcancergenetics.co.uk

Provides help and information for those concerned about their family history of breast cancer, and also has a useful database of women prepared to share their own experiences with others.

The Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline was founded in 1996 at a time when little or nothing was generally known about Hereditary Breast Cancer. Two genes had at that time been found which, if faulty, conferred around an 80-90% breast cancer risk. The main aim of the helpline was to ensure that those worried about their family history had access to full information on all the options currently available, referrals where appropriate, and full peer support for whatever option was chosen. Most importantly that those affected had the opportunity to make informed choices. It is also an important role of the helpline to reassure those worrying unnecessarily.