Women With a Negative BRCA Test May Still Face Higher Breast Cancer Risk
Summary
A new study found that women with a family history of breast cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease even if they test negative for BRCA gene mutations. The research showed that these women still face a lifetime breast cancer risk of about 25%, which is higher than the general population's 13% risk.Key Facts
- BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations increase breast and ovarian cancer risk and are tested for in women with family or personal cancer history.
- About 10% of breast cancer cases are caused by inherited gene changes.
- Women with a negative BRCA test but a strong family history still have an increased risk of breast cancer.
- The study analyzed nearly 16,000 women tested in Ontario from 2007 to 2016.
- Women testing negative had about a 25% lifetime risk of breast cancer; those with uncertain gene variants had about a 30% risk.
- The average woman has about a 13% chance of developing breast cancer in her lifetime.
- Women with BRCA mutations have a 30% to 70% lifetime breast cancer risk.
- Family history significantly affects individual cancer risk and should guide doctors and patients in considering prevention and screening options.
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