Joe Roff reveals 17 family members face inherited cancer risk
Former Wallaby Joe Roff said 17 extended family members carry a BRCA1 gene mutation that raises cancer risk.
Mr Roff, a former Wallaby and Brumby who leads the John James Foundation, spoke publicly on Wednesday night about inherited cancer in his family. Seventeen members of his extended family across three generations carry the BRCA1 gene mutation, which raises the risk of breast, ovarian, prostate and pancreatic cancer.
Roff himself and his own children do not carry the mutation. His brother Jake died in 2015 from brain cancer, but that was not related to genetics.
Roff shared his story at a dinner launching Inherited Cancers Australia's campaign to make Australia a world leader in cancer prevention. His uncles and cousins made major decisions about screening and preventive surgery based on genetic testing.
One uncle was diagnosed with prostate cancer early through PSA testing because he knew his risk. One cousin discovered ovarian cancer during risk-reducing surgery.
- 17
- Family members with BRCA1 mutation
- 3
- Generations affected
- 2015
- Brother's death year
- 41
- Brother's age at death
Why it mattersAn urgent gap exists in support for families with inherited cancer genes. Australia lacks ongoing funding for prevention.
AustraliaOne in 100 Australians carries inherited cancer risk but face significant out-of-pocket costs and unclear care pathways.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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