Chance of Second Breast Cancer Might Be Greater Than Previously Thought for High-Risk Women Without BRCA1/2 Mutations
May 4, 2008
A preliminary analysis of ongoing research suggests that high-risk women with breast cancer who do not have a BRCA1/2 mutation may face a greater chance for developing a second breast cancer than previously thought. With the increased risk of cancer in these women, researchers are wondering if sentinel node biopsy should be considered at the time of prophylactic mastectomy and how women best be counseled after these findings.
The increased risk of developing breast cancer is already understood for women with the disease who test positive for a BRCA1 or 2 mutation. Many of these women choose to have their breast(s) surgically removed (prophylactic mastectomy) to reduce their risk of developing breast cancer or developing a second breast cancer The role of sentinel node biopsy remains controversial in this group.
“We know more about counseling women regarding prophylactic mastectomy if they have a BRCA mutation,” says Shawna C. Willey, a member of the Breast Cancer Program at Lombardi and director of the Betty Lou Ourisman Breast Health Center at Georgetown University Hospital. “In high-risk women who have cancer but don’t have a known mutation, we generally advise that the risk of developing a second cancer in the same or opposite breast is lower than it is for women who test positive for a mutation. This latest analysis has us re-thinking our approach.”
For more information on Willey's research, click here.
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