Clinical tools and counseling considerations for breast cancer risk assessment and evaluation for hereditary cancer risk. (June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hipp, Lauren E.; Hulswit, Bailey B.; Milliron, Kara J.
• Is Part Of: Best practice & research. Volume 82(2022)
• Page Start: 12
• Page End: 29
• Publication Date: 2022-06
• Subjects: Breast cancer -- Risk assessment -- Genetic counseling -- Genetic testing -- Hereditary cancer -- Breast cancer risk models; Gynecology -- Periodicals; Obstetrics -- Periodicals; Genital Diseases, Female; Obstetrics; Gynecology; Obstetrics; Periodicals; 618.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2022.02.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1521-6934

Abstract

Abstract: Breast cancer is a complex and heterogeneous disease. Unfortunately, it is the most common malignancy diagnosed in women in the USA, with 281, 550 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 49, 290 new cases of noninvasive breast cancer are diagnosed per year. In England, it is currently estimated that approximately 1 in 7 (14%) women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. In the UK in 2017, 54, 700 women and 390 men were diagnosed with breast cancer. The risk of breast cancer is influenced by many factors, including but not limited to age, family history, reproductive history, hormonal exposure, proliferative breast lesions, physical activity, alcohol use, tobacco use, breast density, and environmental exposures. Breast cancer risk assessment is a critical part of public health. By identifying women at high risk for breast cancer, personalized recommendations can be deployed with regards to modes of screening, the age to initiate breast screening, and the frequency for completing such screens. In addition, breast cancer risk assessment can assist in determining a woman's eligibility for interventions to reduce risk, either through the use of chemoprevention medications or through surgical means with risk-reducing bilateral mastectomy. This chapter summarizes breast cancer risk assessment models and discusses interventions to reduce breast cancer risk to aid in reducing morbidity and mortality from breast cancer. Highlights: Breast cancer is a public health problem. Breast cancer risk assessment models exist and there are benefits and limitations of these models. Identifying women at increased risk for breast cancer can assist in reducing morbidity and mortality. Genetic counseling/testing for inherited susceptibility to cancer is an option for individuals meeting the criteria.