title: Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and other hereditary syndromes: using technology to identify carriers.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Most patients who harbor a genetic mutation for hereditary breast cancer have not been identified, despite the availability of genetic testing. Developing an effective approach to the identification of high-risk individuals is the key to preventing and/or providing early diagnosis of cancer in this patient population. This educational review addresses these issues.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Using data available on the internet, and making assumptions regarding the types and results of genetic testing, we have estimated the number of mutation carriers in the country and the number who have been tested and identified as such. Overall, our ability to fund and more effectively manage carriers is weak. A technological solution is discussed.
authors.affiliation: Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Avon Comprehensive Breast Evaluation Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Drohan
authors.forename: Constance A
authors.initials: CA
authors.lastname: Roche
authors.forename: James C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Cusack
authors.forename: Kevin S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Hughes
mesh_terms: D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D020022:Genetic Predisposition to Disease; D005820:Genetic Testing; D006579:Heterozygote; D006801:Humans; D009154:Mutation / Q000235:genetics; D009386:Neoplastic Syndromes, Hereditary / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control; D010051:Ovarian Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000235:genetics / Q000517:prevention & control; D018570:Risk Assessment