ABSTRACT
Among the supposed benefits of BRCA gene mutation testing is that individuals, particularly women, identified as carrying a BRCA mutation can then take steps to manage the risk of, and possibly even prevent, the development of breast and ovarian cancer. However, until recently, there were few options available for BRCA carriers to manage or prevent transmission of this inherited gene mutation to their biogenetically related children. BRCA mutations are autosomal dominant, and men and women who carry a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation confront a 50 per cent chance that their children will inherit the mutation. Although it is not clear that BRCA has shifted childbearing decisions for the majority of carriers (Van Asperen et al. 2002), this has nonetheless been identified as a significant concern for many carriers and their parents (Claes et al. 2004).
