Test Results

Management options for patients with an increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer include increased surveillance, chemoprevention, and prophylactic surgery. Benefits and limitations of each approach must be carefully explained to the patient and should be considered for those with hereditary breast cancer who are at risk of a subsequent malignancy of the breast or ovary and for women who do not have cancer.

One study found that surgical and chemoprevention interventions that reduce the risk of a second cancer increased life expectancy in young women with BRCA-associated early-stage breast cancer.¹, ²

The Cancer Genetics Studies Consortium of the National Human Genome Research Institute suggests that women with mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 practice monthly breast self-examination beginning by age 18-21 years and have semiannual (or annual) clinical breast examinations, and annual mammography beginning at age 25-35 years. ³ Some authorities recommend more frequent examinations.