Assessment and counseling for women with a family history of breast cancer: a guide for clinicians

Article Abstract:

Guidelines may help primary care providers assess women's inherited risk of breast cancer, provide counseling, and offer surveillance recommendations. Between 6% and 19% of breast cancer cases may be associated with a family history of the disease. Taking a detailed family history of breast cancer is the most important element of risk assessment. Based on this information, women with a family history of the disease can be classified as at moderate or high risk. Risk prediction models can calculate the likelihood of breast cancer in women at moderate risk. Some women at high risk of breast cancer may be candidates for DNA testing to identify mutations in breast cancer susceptibility genes. Breast cancer risk counseling should elicit information about the patients' life experiences, knowledge, and beliefs about the causes of familial breast cancer. Surveillance recommendations may include regular breast examinations and mammography, pelvic examinations with transvaginal ultrasound, or surgical removal of the ovaries.

Models, Risk factors, Health risk assessment, Health counseling

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Genetic counseling for families with inherited susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancer

Article Abstract:

Genetic screening may be an effective method for identifying women at risk for developing breast or ovarian cancer. Some women may have a higher susceptibility to breast or ovarian cancer as a result of mutations in the BRCA1 gene on chromosome 17. These mutations in these women may cause an estimated 85% lifetime risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. Women with BRCA1 mutations are also more likely to develop breast cancer before the age of 50 than other individuals. Several families have been identified as having a linkage between the development of breast or ovarian cancer and the BRCA1 gene. Genetic analysis has identified several members of one family as probable carriers of the BRCA1 mutation. Individuals who undergo screening for the BRCA1 mutation may require different types of psychological and social support. This type of screening is not yet available on a widespread basis.

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Altered fates - counseling families with inherited breast cancer

Article Abstract:

Some women may inherit an increased risk of developing breast or ovarian cancer. This increased susceptibility to breast and ovarian cancer is caused by mutations in the BRCA1 gene located on chromosome 17. Both male and female carriers of the altered form of the BRCA1 gene can be identified by undergoing genetic screening. This type of screening can have a significant affect on the lives of women from families with a high incidence of breast and ovarian cancer. Women from these families often live in fear of developing these types of cancer at a young age. Genetic screening can enable earlier diagnosis of breast or ovarian cancer in women who are carriers of the altered gene. Some individuals who are carriers may choose to undergo a preventative mastectomy or ovariectomy. Insurance companies may be reluctant to pay for this type of screening despite its benefits.

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