The responsibility for informing at-risk relatives of the availability of 
genetic testing for breast/ovarian cancer gene (BRCA1 or BRCA2) mutations 
currently falls on the probands. This study explored the support needs of 
individuals from families with identified BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations when 
communicating about genetic risk and genetic testing with at-risk family 
members. Thirty-nine semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with 
individuals from families with identified BRCA mutations. Interview responses 
were cross-tabulated by sample characteristics using the qualitative research 
analysis software NVivo8. The development of educational materials, which 
individuals could use when communicating the risks of carrying a BRCA gene 
mutation with their relatives, was identified as a specific need. Many 
participants expressed a preference for a staged approach, where relatives are 
notified of their increased risk and the availability of genetic testing risk 
either face-to-face or via a letter, with additional educational sources, 
including brief written information or access to a website, made available for 
those wishing to access more in-depth information. This research identified a 
need for the development of educational/informational resources to support 
individuals with identified breast/ovarian cancer mutations to communicate with 
their at-risk relatives about genetic risk and genetic testing availability.