Predisposition testing for inherited breast cancer.
Predisposition testing (i.e., genetic testing that provides information about a person's susceptibility to disease) is now available for several inherited forms of cancer. Individuals who are found to have an altered gene (e.g., a germ-line mutation in a cancer susceptibility gene) have a higher risk of developing cancer than those who do not carry an altered gene. Therefore, predisposition testing can be a powerful clinical tool for assessing a person's risk for developing cancer. All health care providers, particularly cancer care providers, should be knowledgeable about cancer predisposition testing options. This article provides an overview of predisposition testing for inherited breast cancer, including general facts about testing, potential risks and benefits, specific genetic counseling issues, and molecular details of known breast cancer susceptibility genes.
Cancer Risk Clinic, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
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D000328:Adult; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000235:genetics*; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D005260:Female; D019398:Genes, BRCA1 / Q000235:genetics*; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease / Q000235:genetics*; D005820:Genetic Testing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics*; D010375:Pedigree; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity