Mastectomy versus Lumpectomy in Hereditary Breast Cancer.
Abstract
Two genes for hereditary breast cancer, BRCA1 and BRCA2, have now been identified (Miki et al, 1994, Wooster et al, 1995). The lifetime risk for breast cancer exceeds 80% in carriers of mutations in either of these genes (Ford et al, 1994). It is now possible to identify families with mutations in these two genes and genetic testing is underway in the laboratories of the principal investigator and the co-investigator. The risk of second primary breast cancer in women with BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations is high. Up to 60% of carriers will develop a contralateral cancer if they survive the initial cancer (Ford et al, 1994). Because of this very high risk, some women opt for prophylactic mastectomy. Other women are requesting either unilateral or bilateral mastectomy at the time of diagnosis in the hope that this will diminish their risk for subsequent cancers. There is no information yet on how these different treatments impact upon patient survival. Our objective is to establish whether women with hereditary breast cancer benefit from more extensive surgery than simple lumpectomy. Our objective is to establish whether women with hereditary breast cancer benefit from more extensive surgery than simple lumpectomy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA366902
Entities
People
- Ststeven A. Narod