Screening for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer

Did you know that up to 10% of breast and ovarian cancers are hereditary?

Personal and family health histories can impact a patient’s risk classification for breast and ovarian cancers. The vast majority of these two cancers are due to gene mutations. BRCA (BReast CAncer) testing, which helps further define a patient’s level of risk is an important assessment if cancer runs in one’s family.

Though not every woman who has these mutations will develop breast and/or ovarian cancer, a woman's risk is greatly increased if she inherits a harmful BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation. A BRCA gene mutation can increase the risk of:

• breast cancer from general risk of 7% by age 70, to 56% - 87%;
• ovarian cancer from general risk of 1% - 2% by age 70, to 27% - 44%

Genetic testing is available to identify BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations. Specimens are collected by having either a buccal (cheek) swab or blood drawn. Counseling also is recommended to gain needed information about testing and personal risk factors, as well as your management care plan going forward. There is a range of risk-reducing management options for patients who carry BRCA mutations that include increased surveillance, medication, or prophylactic surgery.

Men with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations also have an increased risk of breast cancer, and anyone with these mutations may be at increased risk of other cancers as well. If your personal and/or family history indicates greater risk for these cancers, you need to consider genetic counseling and testing, followed by a management plan for continued surveillance.