GENETIC TESTING for HEREDITARY CANCER SYNDROMES Resource Guide
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Introduction

BREAST CANCER
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, excluding skin cancers. It is also the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by lung cancer. Overall, American women have a 1 in 10 (10%) chance of developing breast cancer by age 80. The risk of breast cancer increases with age, with the majority of sporadic breast cancers occurring after menopause.


 Autosomal dominant mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 put women at high risk for developing breast cancer before menopause, although the disease may also occur later in life.

Inherited mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 put women at high risk for developing breast cancer at an early age. Early onset of breast cancer (diagnosis before age 50) is considered a hallmark feature of inherited susceptibility. The average age of onset for breast cancer in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers is 39-44 years.

OVARIAN CANCER
Although ovarian cancer represents only 4% of women's cancers, it causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. Overall, women in the general population have a 1 in 55 (almost 2%) chance of developing ovarian cancer by age 70.


Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 also increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

However, if a woman carries a BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation, the risk of ovarian cancer is substantially increased.

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Introduction
Informed Consent Case Study
Want to know more?
Background
BRCA1 and BRCA2 Genes
Cancer Risk
Testing Guidelines
Test Results and Medical Management