riers.
"We found that older women were much less likely to have a mastectomy, but were more likely to have their ovaries removed," said Evans.
Most of the women, specifically those aged 35 to 45 years, opted for surgery within the first two years after the genetic mutation test, but some did not make a decision until seven years later.
"This is a very interesting study. It fleshes out some of what we know about adoption of risk reduction strategies in high-risk women who have participated in a very comprehensive and well thought-out genetic counseling, testing and management program," said Claudine Isaacs, M.D., an associate professor of medicine and co-director of the Fisher Center for Familial Cancer Research, Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center at Georgetown University.
BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers have a very high lifetime risk of cancer, and for BRCA1 carriers there are unfortunately no clearly proven non-surgical prevention strategies, according to Isaacs. These women face a 50 to 85 percent lifetime risk of breast cancer, and mastectomy is currently the most effective prevention method available.
The findings confirm the expectations that when a woman has a biopsy, even if benign, most are more likely to opt for risk-reduction surgery.
"Screening should be conducted at a place with expertise in an effort to minimize false-positive results, which often lead to biopsy. This will minimize the anxiety that comes along with such a diagnosis. Patients should consult with an expert in advance and stay in contact with them to see how the science may be changing over time," she advised. "This is an ongoing conversation that needs to be addressed and individualized for each patient."
Likewise, Evans suggested that additional studies are needed to help evaluate the communication efforts and methods between doctors and/or counselors and women at risk for breast cancer. Questions to be raised should
'/>"/>
| Contact: Tara Yates tara.yates@aacr.org 267-646-0558 American Association for Cancer Research Source:Eurekalert |
Related biology news :
1. Health benefits of physical activity more pronounced in women
2. UTMB study identifies women at risk of gaining excessive weight with injectable birth control
3. Study explains potential failure of oral contraceptives with obese women
4. Fruit and vegetable intake in pregnant women reduces risk of upper respiratory tract infection
5. Two dietary oils, two sets of benefits for older women with diabetes
6. Women with endometriosis need special care during pregnancy to avoid risk of premature birth
7. New MRI technique could mean fewer breast biopsies in high-risk women
8. New, less invasive genetic test greatly improves pregnancy rates in older women with poor prognosis
9. Debate on admin. of magnesium sulfate to pregnant women to prevent cerebral palsy in pre-term infants
10. Following the dietary guidelines may slow heart disease in women
11. Single women gaze longer
| Copyright © 2003-2012 Bio-Medicine. All rights reserved. ABOUT | CONTACT US | DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | TERMS AND CONDITIONS |  |