Women with a family history of breast cancer

 

Although research studies have not yet shown a clear benefit in the general population for starting screening earlier than age 50, women at increased risk because of a family history of breast cancer may benefit from screening at an earlier age. The balance between benefit and harm from screening younger women at moderate or high risk is unknown, as research has not been undertaken for this specific group of women.

Establishing a system to evaluate screening in this group of women, while providing them with high quality genetic and screening services, is essential to inform policy makers, clinicians and the women themselves. Therefore, BTW is offering screening to women resident in Wales, who have been assessed by the Genetics Service and found to have an increased risk of developing breast cancer.

For more information, please speak to your GP or ask us for contact details for your local Genetics Service.

The National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) has published clinical guidelines for 'The classification and care of women at risk of familial breast cancer'. The guidelines suggest that women at risk of familial breast cancer and of the appropriate age should be part of the FH01 study.

Key Messages from the NICE Clinical Guidelines on Familial Breast Cancer:

• most women do not develop breast cancer, and of those who do, most will not have a known family history of the disease
• for most women, increasing age is the greatest risk factor
• the great majority of women with a family history of breast cancer do not fall into a high-risk category and do not develop breast cancer
• the great majority of women with a relative with breast cancer are not at substantially increased risk of breast cancer themselves.