Question regarding family history

BRCA genetic mutations, and the other more rare genetic mutations that increase breast cancer risk, also increase the risk for other cancers.  So males could be affected as well. 

The most obvious sign would be male breast cancer.  But other than that, did your father or your uncle have prostate cancer?  Other cancers that could indicate the presence of a genetic mutation would be pancreatic, thyroid, colon and stomach cancers, and possibly melanoma.  What about cousins and siblings?  Have any of them had any of those cancers, particularly at a younger age?

Most breast cancer is random, not genetic.  So unless there is a pattern of these types of related cancers within the family, it's more likely that there is no genetic link.

Hereditary Breast Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (BRCA1 / BRCA2) 

Genetics:  http://www.breastcancer.org/risk/factors/genetics 

leaf, FYI, when I went through genetic counselling, I was asked about parents, grandparents, siblings, and aunts and uncles, and then there was an "anyone else" question specifically to cover off cousins and nieces and nephews, etc..  

Even if cousins aren't included on the form, in morningperson's case, because she has so little information available, the info on cousins could provide a clue, since they are one way to track back to her grandmother.  Generally though second (aunts, uncles, grandparents) and particularly third (cousins) degree relatives aren't given as much weight than first degree relatives (parents or siblings) when they are considering the likelihood that someone might have the BRCA genetic mutation.  

Edited for a typo in the last paragraph:  Changed from "....are given a much weight" to "aren't give as much weight"  Geez, I need to learn to proof better, even if I am in a rush!

Thank you for your info,Bessie.  Its good to know that different places do things differently, or at least get their information in different ways.  You have taught me much, Bessie.

leaf, the reason I remember that the long questionnaire that I completed and mailed in prior to seeing the counsellor had the "anyone else" question is because I distinctly recall writing in the details of a cousin's cancer.  I remember digging through my emails to find the information about when he was diagnosed. I also remember wondering if I would have heard if some of my cousins had ever had cancer, since I'm not in touch with them.  The other thing that I recall about that question was that I was a bit taken aback when I read it because it also referred to nieces and nephews.  My nieces and nephews were all in their early 20s or younger at that time and I'd never thought of cancer being an issue for them.  But of course, children do get cancer and genetic mutations do affect those in their 20s. I just hadn't thought of that until I read that question.

FYI, I edited my previous note for a typo, which might change the interpretation. 

Caryn, I think because we are surrounded by breast cancer on this board, we learn a lot about it.  But out there in the real world, the communications about BC really aren't very clear.  I too see a lot of women who come here surprised that they've been diagnosed because there is no BC in their family.  Or surprised because "I've always been healthy and I do everything right...".  Most women don't realize that the number one risk factor for getting breast cancer is being a woman.  The number two risk factor for getting breast cancer is getting older.  There's not much we can do about either of those risk factors.... the first was determined for us before we were born and the second is what we all hope for, i.e. to live long lives and get older.

Morningperson, if you want to investigate your family history further, you might want to schedule an appointment to see a genetic counsellor.  He or she will go through your family history and will be able to give you some perspective on your risk.