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*no family history* I meant to write...

hmmm. u know something, my grandma had breast cancer, and her mother didnt and neither did anyone else back in the family. im really not sure it's hereditery although i may definetely be wrong

BRCA2 is what I thought, but I haven't read up on it lately. But yes, if his sisters carry it, there is a great chance he carries it and and may pass it on to both sons and daughters.

I don't have all the answers for you, but I can tell you what I know. DH's secretary had breast cancer in the last year. It was very early on and they believe they were able to remove all of it. She did go through a round of radiation. Anyway, they had her tested for the gene. If she had tested positive for the gene, then they were going to test her daughter (only child-age15) and her sister (there are no brothers). They told her that if she had tested positive for the gene (she didn't), they would have recommended a masectomy. I would assume from that that eventually your children's dr may want to test them for it since they were going to test her daughter and her sister. I also have read that breast cancer in men is becoming more common as time goes on. I would also assume like you that the gene can be passed to either gender. I would ask your pediatrican during your next well check to see what they think. I know your kids aren't old enough to be tested yet, but he might have some insight.

This scares me so much. My mom died of breast cancer, and my aunt and grandma are survivors. The two genes responsible for the healthy growth of breast cells are BRCA1 and BRCA2, when there is a mutation of these genes certain environmental factors can trigger the onset of breast cancer. Of course, having a relative with breast cancer does not mean that these genetic mutations are present, but certainly increases the chances of that being the case. In fact mutations of these two genes are said to be responsible for only 10% of all cases of breast cancer. I know that because of the high occurence of this disease in my family, it is very likely that I have a mutation of this gene. I am not even getting tested because the likelyhood is so high, I will just take the recommended steps that one would take if they knew they had it. Some days I feel guilty about having a daughter, because I could have given her these genetic mutations that will cause her to become sick one day. But then I think about the beautiful, happy life my mom led, and even though it was cut short, I'm sure she was so happy that she was given a chance at life at all. I'm not really sure about the chances of the mutation getting passed on, but I would ask myself, if you were in your daughter's shoes, would you really want to know anyway? Something like 90% of women with this genetic mutation have breast cancer by the age of 60. They also have up to a 60% chance of developing ovarian cancer. I would not want that looming over my head from childhood on. That is another reason that I am not getting tested. I DO NOT want to know that I have an 90% chance of going through all the pain I watched my mom endure. I am just going to be extra cautious and get frequent breast exams and mammograms. Anyway, sorry so long, but I've done a lot of reasearch for my own purposes and thought I could share.

BTW, the only real way to prevent cancer if you have the gene is a double mascesctomy, and I suppose, removal of the ovaries as well.

Thanks for all of your responses! My MIL had breast cancer in the early 1970's and had a single mastectomy and radiation... she found out she had a lump in the other breast about 5 years ago and had that breast removed. My dh has three sisters. They are alot older than he is- his oldest sis was 21 when he was born! Anyway, one had ovarian cancer and had a complete hysterectomy really young-30ish after having her two boys. She hasn't done a preventative mastectomy. Another found out she had breast cancer just a few years ago at age 48. She immediately had a double mastectomy and was tested for the BRCA 1 or 2 mutation (whichever one is the one that is linked to also having a high likelihood of ovarian/uterine cancer) and was positive, so she had a complete hysterectomy as well. She never had any children. His other sister is 41 and pregnant- she has an 17 and 11 year old daughters. She has the gene as well, but hasn't had a mastectomy. She may consider it in the future, but she'll be breastfeeding like she did with her other two, so that's a future decision for her to make. Anyway, I don't plan to tell my kids about any of this until at least the teen years... we'll see. I hate to think of telling my daughter about it, but I will eventually so she can decide if she wants to be tested or not. She'll find out eventually, anyway, when she needs to know her medical history. I'm sure that it will someday come up in conversation, too, among family, since sooo many of dh's family have had it. That's what got me thinking about this. I guess I'll deal with the questions as they come. Anyway, we're a long way off from that. Thanks everyone!

Sorry about your MIL. My advise if you live in the US is for your husband and children NOT to get tested. The problem with genetic testing is that you will NEVER be able to insure them if they do test postive. This might not be an issue now, but if they are 24 and cancer free and just out of college with no job, being eligible for health insurance can be a very big deal. I would teach early breast exams once they reach puberty. Don't scare them into thinking they are going to get cancer, but they should be aware of how to watch for it, and keep up with doctors appointments. Once it is in your medical records that you test positive for BRAC-1 it can be such a health care nightmare. My sister tested negative for the gene (she got breast cancer at age 34 with no family history). We were all relieved it wasn't genetic, but the lingering question of why still hangs over us.