Former Wallaby warns of inherited cancer gene in his family

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 30 Oct, 21:20 · Archive

Seventeen members of former rugby union player Joe Roff's family carry the BRCA1 gene mutation, significantly raising their cancer risk.

Former Wallabies winger and fullback Joe Roff has disclosed that 17 members of his extended family carry the BRCA1 gene mutation, which significantly increases their risk of developing certain cancers. Roff, 51, did not inherit the gene himself; his father was the only one among six brothers not to carry it. He is promoting awareness through a campaign launched in Canberra on Wednesday night, encouraging people to discuss their family medical history and undergo genetic testing.

Following their diagnoses after learning of their genetic status, one of Roff's uncles was diagnosed with prostate cancer and one cousin with ovarian cancer. Knowing they were at higher risk allowed his relatives to take potentially life-saving preventative measures. Roff, who heads the medical charity John James Foundation, said: 'In this age of information and misinformation … you need to educate yourself and talk about this and build an awareness.'

The national charity Inherited Cancers Australia's Ahead of Cancer initiative is encouraging more people to undergo genetic testing for BRCA1 and similar mutations.

How it is being reported

• Former Wallaby's urgent warning about inherited cancerSeventeen members of former rugby star Joe Roff's family have a gene that makes them much more susceptible to developing cancer, prompting his urgent warning.The West Australian · 30 Oct, 21:02
• Former Wallaby's urgent warning about inherited cancerSeventeen members of former rugby star Joe Roff's family have a gene that makes them much more susceptible to developing cancer, prompting his urgent warning.Perth Now · 30 Oct, 21:02

In this story: Joe Roff · Wallabies · John James Foundation · Inherited Cancers Australia · Canberra · Australia

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