The National Hereditary Helpline

Contact the National Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline on 01629 813 000 or visit www.breastcancergenetics.co.uk

Women carrying a mutation of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene have a 40-85% risk of developing breast cancer. The Hereditary Breast Cancer Helpline, founded and run by Wendy Watson is closely linked to the Genesis Breast Cancer Prevention Appeal.

Wendy Watson, was one of the first people in the UK to undergo preventive measures for this disease, (voluntary mastectomy) although she had no symptoms (9 family members had suffered the disease).

To date, the helpline has taken over 75,000 calls, has an online message chat facility. The website www.breastcancergenetics.co.uk with its unique surgery photos and stories, receives around 50 hits per day.

We know, through the testimonials received, that many feel they owe their lives to this helpline. In Manchester, some 300 of these preventive operations have been performed. This equates to the saving of at least 140 lives just in that area alone.

August was the helplines awareness week which highlighted hereditary breast cancer with positive and uplifting stories, culminating in a 'Mass' Skydive on Saturday 7th August with over 35 participants. Several of the skydivers are ladies who have used the helpline and themselves undergone life saving surgery.