27/02/2026
BRCA Positive? What It Means for Family Members
Whenever a breast cancer diagnosis happens in a family, the most common concern is:
“Kya yeh genetic hai? Kya yeh family mein sabko ho sakta hai?”
Dr. Vineeta Goel explains an important fact —
👉 Breast cancer is NOT always genetic.
Having one family member with breast cancer does not automatically mean others will develop it.
Who should consider genetic testing?
✔️ Genetic testing is usually recommended only if the index patient tests positive
✔️ Testing is done through a blood sample (germline test)
✔️ Pre-test counselling by a trained professional is essential
Who benefits from genetic testing?
✔️ The patient — helps guide treatment decisions
✔️ Family members — helps understand future risk
If a patient is gene-positive and has young daughters, risk can be reduced with:
• Active lifestyle
• Breastfeeding
• Limiting long-term oral contraceptive use
• Regular screening
• In selected cases, prophylactic surgery
Also, BRCA is not the only gene linked to breast cancer — many other genes may be involved.
That’s why genetic counselling is crucial before and after testing.
Awareness reduces fear. Right information leads to right decisions.
— Dr. Vineeta Goel
Senior Radiation Oncologist
💡 Related Searches & Keywords
is breast cancer hereditary, who should do brca test, genetic testing for breast cancer india, breast cancer family risk, germline genetic testing breast cancer, brca positive risk for family, breast cancer prevention for daughters, genetic counselling breast cancer, hereditary cancer screening, best radiation oncologist in Delhi NCR