Paternal Breast Cancer Risk

Hi!!  I have a concern about the risk that is on my fathers side of the family...my dad has lost his only sister (age 46) , an aunt (age 36) and a first cousin (age 50) ALL  to breast cancer.  I'm wondering about getting tested for the BRCA mutation...I'm encouraging my dad to have the test to see if he is a carrier of the gene mutation...do you think this is a good idea???  Any input on this topic would be GREAT...I'm feeling overwhelmed by all of this.  Is it possible all of these breast cancers on my dad's side could just be a coincidence...or am I just being "hopeful"???  Thanks in advance for any info.  Jen
P.S.  No breast cancer on my mom's side.  Other paternal cancers in our family...colon, brain, uterine and prostate...ALL first and second relatives of my dad.

[Cleveland Clinic]

Dear jenmac:   There are a number of inherited cancer syndromes that include breast cancer and other cancers as well.  Consultation with a genetic counselor may be helpful. Typically, this consultation would include a detailed family history and recommendations for any testing that might be of value. In general, it is preferable to test an "affected" individual (that is, one who has the cancer) first, although that is not always possible. The genetic counselor can help to determine which family members should be tested.