Here are some of the risk-reducing steps you and your doctor can take if your genetic test indicates a greater-than-average risk of developing an inherited cancer.
Increased Surveillance for Breast Cancer
- Monthly breast self-exams starting between ages 18-21
- Annual or semiannual clinical breast exams starting between ages 25-35
- Annual mammography starting between ages 25-35
- Consider investigational screening-for example: magnetic resonance imaging
Increased Surveillance for Ovarian Cancer
- Annual or semiannual transvaginal ultrasound (TVU) starting between ages 25-35
- Annual or semiannual check-up on serum CA-125 levels
Preventive Drug Therapies for Breast
Cancer
Preventive drug therapies may be implemented along with increased surveillance.
Specifically, tamoxifen, a
selective
estrogen receptor modulator (SERM), has been proven to cut in half the risk
for women with BRCA mutations.
Preventive Drug Therapies for Ovarian
Cancer
Oral contraceptives can reduce the chances of ovarian cancer in women with
BRCA mutations, as well as the general population. Research has shown a risk
reduction of up to 60 percent in women with BRCA mutations who took oral
contraceptives.
Prophylactic Mastectomy
Prophylactic
bilateral mastectomy has been shown to reduce breast cancer risk by greater
than 90 percent in women with a BRCA mutation or a family history of the
disease.
Prophylactic Oophorectomy
Prophylactic
bilateral oophorectomy has been shown to reduce ovarian cancer risk by 96
percent in women with a BRCA mutation. It is generally recommended after 35
years of age or after childbearing is completed. If this procedure is performed
pre-menopausally, it also reduces the risk of breast cancer by about 50
percent.
» Personal Stories of Breast and Ovarian Cancer
A genetic test for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer
