Cancer risk assessment, risk factors and risk management options may differ for people with hereditary cancer risk or a BRCA mutation than for people in the general population. It is important to consult an expert in cancer risk assessment and risk management to determine what your personal risk for hereditary cancer may be.
Women with BRCA mutations have options for managing their risks for breast and ovarian cancer. The most appropriate options differ between women and depend on many considerations. In general there are 3 categories of risk management options which are outlined below and are discussed in more detail in their respective sections.
- chemoprevention
- Surveillance
- Prophylactic (risk-reducing) surgery
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) is a consortium of cancer centers with experts in management of hereditary cancer. The NCCN updates their guidelines for risk management for people with hereditary risk for cancer, based on the latest research. In general, NCCN guidelines dictate the standard of care for high-risk patients.
It is important to remember that none of the risk-management options will eliminate all cancer risk. Some risk always remains, even with the surgical options.
