Hi

Yes, I have also come up against this, I was referred to the family history clinic for breast cancer due to numerous close relatives being diagnosed, they assess your risk of developing it depending on how many relatives have been affected.  I was assessed as being 32% higher risk (7 relatives including mother and sister) however I would not be offered genetic testing, they would only offer it to one of my relatives that had already been diagnosed with breast cancer, if they then were found to have the braca gene, I would then be tested.  This is due to the fact that in addition to that gene, the doctors believe there are other genes that can cause it, they just dont know what they are yet, they therefore get more useful comparisons from someone who actually already has the disease, it helps with further research.

I am fortunate (if you can call increased risk of getting it fortunate!) in the fact that I am allowed annual mammograms, which gives me some reassurance that anything would be found quickly.

Unfortunately unless you look towards the private sector for testing or regular mammograms, there isnt much else that the nhs will offer at this time.

Regards

Annie