A Greek study provides further evidence that we must seriously consider testing for BRCA1 mutations in all triple-negative breast cancer patients under the age of 50 regardless of family history.
More on Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and BRCA1 Mutations: This Time from Greece
Posted on March 26, 2012 Written by Leave a Comment
Abraxas: A New Hereditary Breast Cancer Gene
Posted on March 6, 2012 Written by Leave a Comment
If you have a compelling family history of breast cancer that is not explained by a BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation, another gene – Abraxas – has been added to the list of possible explanations.
New Evidence Supports BRCA1 Testing for All Women with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Diagnosed Before Age 50
Posted on March 6, 2012 Written by Leave a Comment
If you were diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer before age 50, your chance of having a BRCA1 mutation is likely ~20%
Other Cancers Seen in Families with RAD51D Mutations
Posted on August 9, 2011 Written by Leave a Comment
Two days ago we discussed a recent study by Dr. Nazneen Rahman and colleagues which clearly demonstrated that inherited mutations in a gene called RAD51D result in a substantial elevation in risk for ovarian cancer. This elevation in risk was seen in some families in which other cancer types were seen in the family tree. So, does this mean that the other cancer types in these families are also due to the RAD51D mutations?
Family History of Cancer Changes Over Time: Why You Need to Keep Your Primary Care Doctor Updated
Posted on July 15, 2011 Written by Leave a Comment
If you are interested in cancer prevention, you may know that for common cancers family history is one of the most important and useful tools that we have to identify people at elevated risk (who are likely to benefit most from more intensive screening and/or preventative measures). Despite this fact, discussion of family history often [...]
New Financial Assistance Program for Young Women with BRCA1 and BRCA2 Mutations Needing Help Paying for Screening Breast MRI
Posted on July 6, 2011 Written by Leave a Comment
In a previous post we mentioned a Christina Applegate appearance on Oprah to discuss both learning that she (Ms. Applegate) had Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer risk due to a BRCA1 mutation and the aftermath. Since then, The Christina Applegate Foundation has worked to promote awareness of the importance of breast MRI screening for high-risk women. However, one key impediment for some women is the cost of MRI. Now, Right Action for Women is doing something to address this problem.