Woman told she carries the same cancer gene linked to her father’s rare breast cancer
Siobhan’s father was diagnosed with cancer after his sister tested positive for BRCA2.
A woman whose father died from breast cancer is sharing her experience of inheriting the BRCA2 gene mutation to raise awareness and the need for more genetic testing.
Siobhan Rehman (34), from Milton Keynes, whose father Tony passed away in June 2023 aged just 57, discovered she carried the BRCA2 gene fault after several members of her family were diagnosed with breast cancer. Her dad, paternal aunt and grandmother all had the disease, and both he and her aunt tested positive for BRCA2.
After receiving her own positive BRCA2 result, Siobhan was referred to specialists and joined the EMBRACE clinical trial, funded by Cancer Research UK. The long‑term study follows people with inherited breast cancer gene faults, to improve understanding, screening and future treatment by using remote questionnaires and local blood testing.
Siobhan’s father was diagnosed with cancer after his sister tested positive for BRCA2. He initially responded well to hormonal therapy, but as his cancer progressed, he moved through chemotherapy, targeted treatments, emergency surgery, and clinical trials before dying in 2023.
*Male breast cancer accounts for around 1% of all breast cancer cases in the UK. BRCA2 is an inherited gene that helps repair damaged DNA. A harmful mutation in the gene can increase the risk of developing cancers, including breast cancer in both women and men.
Siobhan said: “My dad first became aware he had cancer when his partner noticed that his nipple had inverted. He got screened and diagnosed and I was with him along the journey. Seeing him take part in trials inspired me, I saw first-hand how research gives people hope when standard treatments run out.”
Siobhan, who is of Black Caribbean and Asian Pakistani heritage, is determined to raise awareness of genetic testing and clinical trials among communities that statistically face poorer cancer outcomes and lower screening uptake. She wants to highlight awareness and routine screening because men can carry BRCA2 mutations and develop breast cancer.
She continued: " I have supported a close family member through late-stage cancer, and cancer has affected my family extensively. At least ten relatives carry the BRCA2 gene mutation, and five have been diagnosed with cancer. These experiences have strengthened my commitment to cancer research I have joined the Cancer Research UK EMBRACE clinical trial. I feel that I'm in a unique position to speak to communities from my background who statistically have worse cancer outcomes, and in my experience are less inclined to get testing, screening, and consider clinical trials."
Since learning she carries the BRCA2 mutation, Siobhan has made lifestyle changes, sought specialist advice, and planned long‑term screening including annual MRIs from age 30 and mammograms from 40, she added: "Knowing I have the BRCA2 gene fault is frightening, but it’s also empowering. I have options my family didn’t have and If, sharing my story, helps even one person, it’s worth it.”