Data from a population-based study was recently reported to estimate breast cancer risk among family members who tested negative for a known BRCA1/2 family mutation (i.e., non-carriers). The study included 3047 women diagnosed with breast cancer. Results from the study indicated there was no increased risk for breast cancer in non-carriers as compared to family members of breast cancer patients who tested negative for a BRCA gene mutation. These results support clinical practice to advise patients who test negative for family-specific BRCA mutations that their breast cancer risks are not elevated. Furthermore, in the absence of other strong risk factors, authors suggest that non-carriers should follow general population guidelines for breast cancer screening.
Kurian AW, et al. J Clin Oncol. 2011 Dec 1;29(34):4505-9.