Group Does Not
Recommend Routine Screening for BRCA Genes
Behind the Cancer Headlines®
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force does not recommend routine screening for mutations in breast cancer genes BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are associated with an increased risk for breast and ovarian cancer.
However, the Task Force says that genetic counseling is appropriate for women with specific family histories associated with an increased risk of mutations in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Such histories include women with two first degree relatives (parent, sibling, child) with breast cancer, one of whom received the diagnosis at age 50 years or younger, and women of Ashkenazi Jewish descent.
An editorial writer says that the recommendations show the importance of knowing one's family medical histories and that they will help eligible women consider the testing, the timing, the best way to involve family members and "the tradeoffs and uncertainties involved in the different preventive strategies available" if they are found to have a BRCA mutation."
SOURCES:
Annals of Internal
Medicine,
American